Police Bust Child-Stealing, Trafficking Syndicate, Rescue 17 Children
The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged interstate child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across several states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects following an intelligence-led investigation.
The breakthrough was recorded by the Oyo State Police Command during an investigation into the disappearance of a three-year-old child, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, who reportedly went missing during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, detectives commenced investigations following credible intelligence on the child’s disappearance and arrested Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4.
Police said Popoola allegedly confessed to involvement in the stealing, movement and sale of children from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.
Her disclosures reportedly led investigators to Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, who was subsequently arrested in Mowe, Ogun State.
Four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from Janet’s custody, the police said.
Further investigation reportedly provided leads to the whereabouts of Ifakunle, leading to his rescue in the Gbagi area of Ibadan on August 20.
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The investigation subsequently revealed that the alleged criminal network extended beyond Oyo and Ogun states, prompting detectives to expand their operations.
On September 2, police operatives extended the investigation to Agbor, Delta State, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from individuals suspected of having illegally acquired them.
Two suspects, Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse, were arrested in connection with the operation, according to the police.
The investigation also uncovered allegations that some deceased victims were transferred to individuals involved in ritual activities.
Police subsequently arrested Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, who are being investigated over the alleged use of victims for ritual purposes.
The command also said it had received information concerning six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the network, adding that efforts were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Oyo State Command for the breakthrough and directed that investigations be sustained to dismantle the entire network, locate other missing children and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
The police assured that the force remained committed to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, dismantling criminal networks and prosecuting perpetrators of child-related crimes in accordance with the law.
By PRNigeria
