Osun State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 15 foreign nationals believed to have been trafficked into Nigeria.
This was confirmed in a statement by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan and issued by the Command\u2019s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi on Thursday.
The Command said operatives of the State Intelligence Department acted on credible information to uncover the suspected trafficking network.
According to the police, \u201cthe victims were discovered in a three-bedroom apartment located at Adeleke Estate in Osogbo, where they were allegedly being held under suspicious circumstances prior to the intervention.
\u201cPreliminary findings indicated that the individuals had been lured with promises of employment and improved living conditions, and were transported into Nigeria from Togo, Benin Republic and Niger.
\u201cThe victims were deceived with false assurances of job opportunities and a better life outside their home countries.
\u201cThey were subsequently conveyed into Nigeria and accommodated in a private residence before our operatives intervened.\u201d
Police also confirmed that the rescued persons, comprising both men and women aged between 20 and 30, are currently receiving protective care while arrangements are being made for further support and possible reunification with their families.
The Command disclosed that several suspects linked to the operation fled upon learning of the police action, but efforts are ongoing to apprehend them.
\u201cHowever, one individual identified as the agent who rented out the apartment to the suspected traffickers has been arrested and is assisting investigators with useful information,\u201d the statement added.
Commenting on the development, CP Gotan, reaffirmed the Command\u2019s determination to dismantle trafficking syndicates and other organised criminal networks operating within Osun State.
\u201cWe remain committed to combating human trafficking and related crimes.
\u201cWe urge parents, guardians and property owners to be vigilant and promptly report any suspicious recruitment activities or unusual movements to security agencies,\u201d the Commissioner said.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Osun State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 15 foreign nationals believed to have been trafficked into Nigeria. This was confirmed in a statement by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan and issued by the Command\u2019s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi on Thursday. The Command said operatives of the State Intelligence Department acted on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2474,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4929","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n