By Amah
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The Enugu State Police Command has dismantled a transnational human trafficking syndicate, arresting a 50-year-old suspect and rescuing a 20-year-old woman who had been lured under false pretences.
In a statement on Thursday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said operatives from the Igbo-Eze South Police Division arrested the suspect on January 16, following credible intelligence about the syndicate’s activities.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim, a native of Abia State, was allegedly convinced to resign from her job in Aba with the promise of a higher-paying position in Senegal. The offer, however, was reportedly a ruse intended to involve her in prostitution.
The suspect, who operates from Amorji-Nike in Enugu, allegedly took the victim to a shrine in Alor-Agu community, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, where she was compelled to swear an oath of allegiance before being trafficked. Police said this action was carried out under instructions from other members of the syndicate, who remain at large.
“Upon receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer promptly led a team to the location, resulting in the suspect’s arrest and the victim’s rescue,” SP Ndukwe stated.
The rescued woman has been debriefed and reunited with her family, while investigations continue to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate.
SP Ndukwe added that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, has instructed the State Criminal Investigation Department to ensure that all suspects involved are brought to justice. He also reaffirmed the police’s commitment to combating human trafficking and urged the public to provide timely and credible information to assist in ongoing efforts.
