Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the National Central Bureau (NCB-INTERPOL), Lagos Annex, have rescued two foreign nationals lured to Nigeria and held captive by a human trafficking syndicate.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu said the operation was a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against transnational organized crime.
Iniedu said the operation followed actionable intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá, on August 26, 2026, regarding two female citizens of Colombia, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa.
“The victims were fraudulently lured to Nigeria, held against their will, and had their travel documents confiscated by certain Chinese nationals who are currently at large,” Iniedu said.
According to him, upon receipt of the intelligence, police operatives promptly launched a covert tracking operation, locating the hideout in Lagos where both victims were safely rescued on the same day.
“The fleeing suspects abandoned the location upon sighting the approaching team, and efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest all members of the syndicate.
“The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support.
“The Colombian Embassy in Accra is working in close collaboration with the Bureau to secure hotel accommodations for the victims and arrange emergency travel documents to ensure their safe return to Bogotá,” he said.
Iniedu added that the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents within the country, while deepening collaboration with international law enforcement partners to combat cross-border crimes.
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