Osun Human Trafficking Rescue sees 15 youths freed in Osogbo as police arrest a suspect and launch manhunt for fleeing syndicate members

The Osun State Police Command on Thursday announced the rescue of 15 youths suspected to be victims of a human trafficking syndicate and the arrest of one suspect linked to the crime.

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The command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said in a statement that intelligence-led operatives from the State Intelligence Department carried out a coordinated operation at a house in Osogbo where the victims had been camped.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were brought into Nigeria from Togo, the Benin Republic and Niger with promises of lucrative job opportunities.

They were reportedly kept in a three-bedroom flat at Adeleke Estate under suspicious circumstances before police intervention.

According to the statement, the rescued individuals include eight women and seven men aged between 20 and 30.

The police said the victims are currently receiving necessary care under protective custody while efforts are underway to rehabilitate them and reunite them with their families.

Ojelabi confirmed that some members of the suspected trafficking network fled before the raid, but security operatives are actively pursuing them.

He added that the agent who leased the property to the suspects has been arrested and is assisting investigators.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Gotan, urged parents, guardians and property owners to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or dubious recruitment schemes to security agencies.

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The Osun Human Trafficking Rescue underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement authorities to dismantle organised criminal networks and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.