The Nigeria Police Force has rescued two Colombian nationals allegedly trafficked to Nigeria and held captive by a human trafficking syndicate in Lagos.
The victims, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were rescued by operatives attached to the National Central Bureau (NCB-INTERPOL), Lagos Annex, following intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá, on August 26, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the two women were allegedly lured to Nigeria under false pretences and subsequently held against their will.
Their travel documents were also reportedly confiscated by some Chinese nationals suspected to be members of the trafficking syndicate.
Following the receipt of the intelligence, police operatives commenced a covert tracking operation which led them to the location where the victims were being held in Lagos.
The operatives rescued the two women on the same day, while the suspects reportedly fled the hideout upon sighting the approaching police team.
The police said efforts had been intensified to identify and apprehend all members of the syndicate involved in the alleged trafficking operation.
The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support, according to the Force.
The Colombian Embassy in Accra is also collaborating with the National Central Bureau to secure hotel accommodation for the victims and facilitate the issuance of emergency travel documents for their return to Bogotá, Colombia.
The police described the operation as a major breakthrough in its efforts to tackle transnational organised crime and strengthen international law enforcement cooperation.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting the lives and property of residents and combating cross-border criminal activities.
He also stressed the importance of continued collaboration with international law enforcement agencies in tackling crimes that transcend national borders.