Osun Police rescue 15 foreign nationals from human trafficking syndicate

By Ismail Azeez

The Osun State Police Command has successfully liberated 15 foreign nationals who were victims of a suspected human trafficking syndicate during a high-stakes, intelligence-led operation in the state capital.

Operatives from the State Intelligence Department (SID) swooped in on a three-bedroom flat at Adeleke Estate, Osogbo, where the victims were being held under suspicious circumstances.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the individuals had been transported into Nigeria from Togo, the Benin Republic, and Niger after being lured with fraudulent promises of stable employment and improved living conditions.

The rescued victims, consisting of both men and women aged between 20 and 30, are currently receiving medical attention, counseling, and protective care as the command collaborates with relevant authorities to facilitate their rehabilitation and safe reunification with their families.

Police identified the rescued individuals as Moise Nanga, Myriam Yakouba, Rostand Joseph, Mouris Kassoko, Bicosso Nadia, Samoru Ilan Azote, Doris Samnat, Zogo Miichelle, Nebi Sera, Moeva Loure, Awa Asoka, Sonara Rene, Ella Cadore, Odil Mapa, and Madji Sanni.

While the primary suspects connected to the trafficking ring managed to abscond before the raid, the command has successfully arrested the agent who provided the house to the criminal elements.

This individual is currently assisting the police with ongoing investigations to track down the fleeing traffickers.

Commissioner of Police for the Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan, has reaffirmed the force's commitment to aggressively combating organized crime and human trafficking within the state.

He urged residents, particularly property owners and guardians, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious recruitment schemes or unusual movements to the nearest security agency.