Ondo Police Arrest Human Traffickers, Rescue 14 Victims in Crackdown

The Ondo State Police Command has announced the rescue of fourteen individuals and the arrest of several suspected human traffickers following targeted operations across the state.

In a statement released on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command detailed two separate interventions. The first operation stemmed from a report on January 22nd by a Togolese national, Meale Yaoili, who escaped from a syndicate. Yaoili stated he was lured from Togo with promises of Canadian employment, only to have his belongings seized and be held captive after paying 800,000 CFA francs.

Police action led to the arrest of six suspects, including the landlord of the premises used, and the rescue of three victims.

In a second case initially reported as suspected banditry in Akure, police discovered a human trafficking ring. Eleven Chadian nationals and one female were found allegedly lured and harbored by a suspect, Umaru Baba, under the guise of a marketing scheme. All were identified as illegal immigrants and are now treated as trafficking victims.

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, warned landlords to conduct proper tenant screenings, stressing that negligence could lead to legal consequences. He reaffirmed the command’s dedication to fighting trans-border crimes and urged public cooperation.

Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects, while the rescued victims are to be handed over to their respective embassies for repatriation.