Victims were allegedly lured to Nigeria, held captive and stripped of their travel documents; police launch manhunt for fleeing suspects

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the National Central Bureau of INTERPOL, Lagos Annex, have rescued two Colombian women who were allegedly lured to Nigeria and held captive by a suspected human trafficking syndicate.

The victims, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were rescued on Wednesday, August 26, following intelligence received from INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Bogotá, Colombia.

The development was disclosed on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, in a statement.

According to the police, the two women were allegedly deceived into travelling to Nigeria before being held against their will and having their travel documents confiscated.

The suspects, said to be Chinese nationals, reportedly fled the location before police operatives could arrest them.

The police said the operation began after the INTERPOL intelligence was received, prompting officers to launch a covert tracking operation to locate the victims.

“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,” the statement said.

The successful operation brought an end to the women’s alleged ordeal, while police immediately commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those behind the trafficking operation.

The Force said the suspects abandoned the premises after noticing the approaching police team and have remained at large.

Police authorities said intensified efforts were underway to track down and arrest all members of the suspected syndicate and dismantle the network believed to be involved in the alleged trafficking of foreign nationals.

The rescued Colombian nationals are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary assistance from the authorities.

The Colombian Embassy in Accra, Ghana, is also working with Nigeria’s National Central Bureau of INTERPOL to provide temporary accommodation and facilitate the issuance of emergency travel documents for the women.

The arrangements are expected to enable the victims to return safely to Bogotá, Colombia.

The case also highlights the growing importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies across countries in tackling human trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime.

Human trafficking syndicates often operate across national borders, using false promises of employment, travel opportunities or improved living conditions to lure victims before subjecting them to exploitation, confinement or other forms of abuse.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting people living in the country and strengthening cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.

According to the statement, Disu reaffirmed the Force’s “unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents within the country, while deepening collaboration with international law enforcement partners to combat cross-border crimes.”

Police authorities said investigations are continuing, with efforts focused on identifying the fleeing suspects, rescuing any other potential victims and dismantling the alleged trafficking network.

The Force also urged members of the public and international partners to continue providing credible information that could assist law enforcement agencies in preventing human trafficking and bringing perpetrators to justice.