The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a major human trafficking syndicate, rescuing 11 young women who were on the verge of being smuggled to Ghana for prostitution. Four suspects connected to the operation have been arrested.
The incident began on August 13th, 2025, when officers from the Ilemba Hausa Division intercepted a 15-year-old girl in the custody of one Mustapha Abubakar, a commercial motorcyclist who allegedly also worked as a recruiter for the syndicate.
The case was quickly escalated to the Command’s Special Squad, which launched a swift intelligence-led operation across several parts of Lagos. This led to the arrest of:
- Charles Chima (54) in Amuwo Odofin
- Emmanuel Nwaka (36) along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway
- Princess John (21) at Ojota
- And Abubakar, the motorcyclist-turned-recruiter.
According to police, the group specialized in luring young women with false promises of opportunities, only to traffic them to Ghana for sexual exploitation.
Further raids led to the rescue of 10 more victims, aged between 21 and 29. The rescued women are now receiving medical and psychological support, with arrangements being made to reunite them with their families.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with police determined to dismantle the wider network behind the operation.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, praised his officers for their swift action and warned traffickers that Lagos would remain unsafe for their activities.