The Oyo State Police Command has rescued five Congolese nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking during an intelligence-led operation at Bollarz Hotel, Araromi area of Ibadan.
In a Wednesday statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the operation followed credible intelligence, which prompted the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, to direct operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to take immediate action.
The rescued persons were identified as Bonsaly Mpika Donel, 24; Charles Siloe, 23; Eliane Ruth Makengo, 26; Makota Janie Darcel, 23; and Simba Babeki Elie, 33.
“All five are nationals of the Republic of Congo,” the statement reads in part.
According to the police, preliminary questioning revealed that the victims were lured into Nigeria by a man identified as Smith, a national of the Republic of Benin, on the promise of greener pastures and better economic opportunities.
“The victims disclosed that a man identified as Smith, a national of the Republic of Benin, had lured them into Nigeria on the promise of greener pasture and better economic opportunities,” Ayanlade said.
The police spokesman disclosed that the suspect was not found at the hotel during the operation and that efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend him.
Following their rescue, the victims received medical attention and underwent medical examinations, the police said
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has directed that they be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State Command, for necessary action in accordance with established procedures.
The command reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons, while urging members of the public to provide credible and actionable information that could assist in identifying and apprehending those connected with the suspected trafficking operation.
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