Police Smash Child Trafficking Ring in Oyo, Rescue 17 Children

The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, leading to the rescue of 17 children and the arrest of seven suspects.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement, explaining that the operation followed an intelligence-led investigation into the disappearance of a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, during a masquerade festival in Oyo town on June 29, 2026.

According to the police spokesperson, detectives arrested Adejoke Popoola, popularly known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4 after an extensive investigation into the child’s disappearance.

Popoola allegedly confessed to participating in the stealing, transportation and sale of children.

She reportedly told investigators that children were targeted at churches, parties and other public events both within and outside Oyo State.

Information obtained from her allegedly led detectives to another suspect, Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, who was arrested in Mowe, Ogun State.

Police said four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from Janet’s custody during the operation.

Further investigations reportedly helped detectives trace the missing three-year-old boy, Ifakunle, to the Gbagi area of Ibadan, where he was rescued on August 20.

The investigation subsequently revealed that the alleged trafficking network extended beyond Oyo and Ogun states.

On September 2, police detectives extended their operation to Agbor in Delta State, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from individuals suspected of having illegally acquired them.

The police also arrested Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse in connection with the operation.

Their arrests, according to the Force, provided further evidence of the alleged interstate structure of the criminal network.

Investigators also uncovered disturbing allegations that some deceased victims were transferred to individuals suspected of involvement in ritual-related activities.

Following this lead, police arrested Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, who are currently being investigated over the allegations.

The police further disclosed that they had received information concerning six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the suspected network.

Authorities said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and establish the identities and responsibilities of those involved.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Oyo State Police Command and the detectives involved for the breakthrough.

He directed the police to intensify efforts to dismantle the alleged criminal network, locate other missing children and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, disrupting criminal networks and bringing perpetrators of child-related crimes to justice.

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