Police rescue two Colombian women held captive in Lagos

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued two women from Colombia who were reportedly kidnapped by a human trafficking group in Nigeria. CSP Aniete Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, announced the rescue on Saturday. He revealed that the rescue operation was triggered by intelligence received on August 26, 2026, from the National Central Bureau (NCB)-INTERPOL, Lagos Annex.

The victims, Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were deceived into traveling to Nigeria and were subsequently held captive by suspected Chinese nationals, whose whereabouts remain unknown. The police spokesperson disclosed that the women were deprived of their travel documents and that police operatives swiftly launched an undercover operation to locate their hiding spot in Lagos.

The women were rescued safely on the same day, while the suspects fled upon noticing the approaching officers. The Nigeria Police Force is intensifying efforts to apprehend all members of the trafficking syndicate. The rescued women are currently in safe custody and are receiving necessary support. The Colombian Embassy in Accra is collaborating with INTERPOL to provide accommodation and arrange for emergency travel documents to facilitate the women's return to Colombia.

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, emphasized the police's commitment to safeguarding citizens and enhancing cooperation with international law enforcement to combat cross-border crimes.