Police Bust Human Trafficking Syndicate in Lagos, Rescue Two Foreign Nationals
Linus Aleke in Abuja Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the National Central Bureau (NCB-INTERPOL), Lagos Annex, have uncovered and dismantled a human trafficking syndicate in Lagos State
In a major police operation in Lagos, Nigeria, authorities have dismantled a human trafficking syndicate responsible for the alleged kidnapping of two foreign nationals. According to a statement by the Nigeria Police Force, the syndicate lured the victims, two Colombian citizens named Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, to Nigeria and held them captive, confiscating their travel documents.
Intelligence from INTERPOL-NCB in Bogotá led to the operation, which took place on August 26, 2026. The police quickly located the hideout and rescued both victims on the same day. The suspects fled the scene once they noticed the approaching police team. Efforts are underway to apprehend all members of the syndicate. Both victims are currently in a secure location and receiving the necessary support.
The Colombian Embassy in Accra is collaborating with the Bureau to provide hotel accommodation and arrange emergency travel documents for their return to Bogotá. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, emphasized the police's commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and strengthening cooperation with international law enforcement agencies to combat cross-border crime.
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