Police Bust Interstate Child-Trafficking Syndicate, Rescue 17 Children, Arrest Seven Suspects

The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across multiple states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects in what authorities described as a major breakthrough against organised child trafficking.

The operation, carried out by the Oyo State Police Command following intelligence-led investigations, exposed a criminal network allegedly involved in stealing, transporting and selling children across state lines.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the investigation began after the disappearance of a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, who went missing during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.

Police investigations led to the arrest of Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4, 2026.

According to the police, Popoola confessed to participating in the theft, movement and sale of children taken from churches, parties and other public gatherings within and outside Oyo State.

Her confession subsequently led detectives to another suspect, Adekanbi Janet, popularly known as Hosanna, who was arrested in Mowe, Ogun State. During the operation, police rescued four children and two pregnant young women from her custody.

Further investigations enabled detectives to trace the missing three-year-old to the Gbagi area of Ibadan, where he was rescued on August 20, 2026.

Police said the investigation later revealed that the criminal syndicate operated beyond Oyo and Ogun states.

Acting on fresh intelligence, detectives extended the operation to Agbor, Delta State, on September 2, 2026, where they rescued four additional children believed to have been stolen from Oyo State and allegedly handed over to individuals suspected of acquiring them illegally.

Two suspects, Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse, were arrested during the Delta operation, further confirming the interstate nature of the trafficking network.

The investigation also uncovered disturbing allegations that some deceased victims were transferred to individuals involved in ritual activities.

According to the police, the revelations led to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, who are currently being investigated over their alleged involvement in ritual-related crimes.

The police further disclosed that investigators have received reports indicating that six children allegedly died while in the custody of members of the syndicate. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Oyo State Police Command for the successful operation and directed investigators to sustain efforts to dismantle the entire criminal network, locate more missing children and ensure that everyone involved is brought to justice.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, dismantling organised criminal networks and prosecuting perpetrators of child-related crimes in accordance with the law.