How NSCDC Arrests Four Human Traffickers, Rescues Nine Victims in Oyo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has apprehended four individuals suspected of human trafficking and rescued nine people being exploited for prostitution.
The command also reported the seizure of 55 30-litre kegs of smuggled petrol near Gwagwasu Moore Road, Kishi, in northern Oyo State.
NSCDC Commandant Augustine Padonu announced these developments during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Ibadan on Friday. He detailed that the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit arrested the suspects and freed the victims on Tuesday at a hotel in the Apata area of Ibadan. The rescued individuals include seven adult women and two minor girls.
Padonu revealed that three of the suspects were involved in trafficking underage girls from rural areas for prostitution, while the fourth suspect, a male hotel manager, cooperated with them in exploiting these minors.
“This operation marks a significant success in our fight against human trafficking and the smuggling of petroleum products,” Padonu stated. “It underscores our dedication to protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from abuse and exploitation, as well as defending the nation’s economy from illegal activities.”
Regarding the recovered petrol, Padonu explained that the command acted on credible intelligence received on July 30 about smuggling activities in Kishi. During the operation, they found the petrol hidden in a forest area.
Padonu noted that the ongoing smuggling of petroleum products presents challenges that jeopardize the economy and public safety. The suspects involved in the petrol smuggling escaped upon sighting NSCDC operatives and remain at large.
“We are enhancing our efforts to track down and arrest the suspects,” Padonu added. “We encourage the public to report any information related to petroleum smuggling to the NSCDC.”
In an interview with reporters, one of the rescued minors shared that she was pregnant and had been forced to earn N10,000 daily from prostitution, but only received N2,000 of it from one of the traffickers who had brought her from her village.
