🚨 Police Bust Human Trafficking Ring Led by Illegal Immigrants in Ondo State

Akure, Nigeria — On July 31, 2025, the Ondo State Police Command carried out a major sting operation that exposed a human trafficking ring run by illegal immigrants in the Oda axis of Akure, rescuing one victim and arresting ten foreign nationals. The traffickers are believed to have entered Nigeria via the Republic of Benin.

👮‍♂️ Operation Details & Arrests

At approximately 14:30 hrs on July 31, police operatives apprehended ten illegal aliens at separate residences along Oda Road. The group included nationals from various African countries who lacked valid travel documents—some carrying expired passports, others with none.

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, revealed that the traffickers had lured a 29-year-old Congolese man named Nzaou Yelica Christ‑Olse into Nigeria under the false promise of training to launch an online business. The victim was abandoned upon arrival, but was rescued during the raid and is now safe and receiving support.

⚖️ Legal Implications & Investigations

Commissioner Lawal emphasized that the case constitutes a clear breach of Nigeria’s immigration and anti-trafficking laws. The file has been forwarded to the Nigeria Immigration Service and NAPTIP for further investigation and potential prosecution.

🌍 Context: Trafficking in Ondo & Nigeria at Large

This bust amplifies a recent pattern of cross-border trafficking operations uncovered in Ondo State.

In early July 2025, the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS) rescued 40 Ghanaian nationals, including David Angerinya, from a similar transnational trafficking network. Three suspects—Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix—were arrested. Victims had allegedly been promised visas and jobs in Western countries like Canada.

These incidents highlight Ondo’s rising role as a transit point for trafficking networks specialising in promises of foreign relocation and employment.

💼 Institutional Response: Tackling Trafficking

Nigeria’s anti-trafficking architecture now includes multiple agencies and state-level task forces, such as NAPTIP and regional task forces in Edo, Lagos, and Ondo States. Founded under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, these bodies coordinate investigations, prosecutions, victim support, and public awareness.

❝Human trafficking thrives in silence—speak up, report suspicious activities.❞

— CP Adebowale Lawal

📊 Overview at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Timing	July 31, 2025
Location	Oda axis, Akure, Ondo State
Suspects	10 illegal immigrants from various African nations
Victim	29-year-old Congolese national, deceived and abandoned
Rescue Outcome	Victim rescued; suspects arrested
Coordinating Agencies	Ondo Police, NAPTIP, Nigeria Immigration Service
Context	Part of multiple trafficking busts in recent months in Ondo, including a 40-Ghanaian rescue

🔍 Why This Matters

This case isn’t isolated—it sheds light on growing transnational trafficking activities in southwestern Nigeria. Perpetrators prey on desperation, offering unrealistic opportunities and abandoning victims once they arrive.

It reinforces the necessity of vigilant law enforcement, public reporting, and cross-agency collaboration. Institutions like NAPTIP and state task forces are key to combating such threats, but anonymous tips and community awareness are equally critical.