Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the National Central Bureau of INTERPOL, Lagos Annex, have dismantled a suspected human trafficking syndicate operating in Lagos State and rescued two Colombian women allegedly trafficked into Nigeria.
The victims, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were reportedly lured to Nigeria and held against their will, while their travel documents were allegedly confiscated.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement, saying the operation followed actionable intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá, on August 26, 2026.
According to him, upon receiving the intelligence, police operatives launched a covert tracking operation which led them to the syndicate’s hideout in Lagos, where the two women were rescued on the same day.
Iniedu said the suspects, identified as Chinese nationals, fled the location after sighting the approaching police team.
“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,” he said.
He added that efforts had been intensified to track down and arrest all members of the syndicate.
The police spokesperson said the rescued Colombian nationals were currently in safe custody and receiving the necessary support.
He further disclosed that the Colombian Embassy in Accra was working closely with the National Central Bureau to secure hotel accommodation for the victims and arrange emergency travel documents to facilitate their safe return to Bogotá.
The operation followed international law enforcement cooperation aimed at combating human trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting the lives and property of residents across the country.
Disu also reiterated the Force’s resolve to deepen collaboration with international law enforcement partners in tackling cross-border crimes, particularly human trafficking.
