Enugu, January 2026 (Epicstorian News) — The Enugu State Police Command has successfully dismantled a suspected transnational human trafficking operation linked to prostitution, rescuing a young woman and arresting a key suspect in a significant law enforcement breakthrough.
The operation demonstrates the ongoing efforts of Nigerian authorities to combat organized human trafficking and protect vulnerable citizens.
Victim Deceived With False Job Offer
Investigations revealed that the victim, a native of Abia State, was lured by promises of lucrative employment in Senegal. The scheme involved deceptive recruitment tactics common in human trafficking networks, including fake job advertisements, travel arrangements, and financial incentives, a pattern documented in multiple reports by UNODC and NAPTIP. After resigning from her job in Aba, the victim was taken to a shrine in Alor-Agu Community, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, to swear an oath of allegiance on the instruction of syndicate members still at large.
“Upon receiving the information at about 8:00 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer led a team of operatives to the location, where the suspect was arrested, and the victim rescued,” Ndukwe stated. The victim has been debriefed and reunited with her family.
Police Commissioner Vows Full Prosecution
Enugu State Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to ensure that all individuals connected to the crime are prosecuted. “The Enugu State Police Command remains unwavering in its commitment to combating human trafficking, prostitution, and other related crimes,” Giwa emphasized.
Authorities are pursuing all members of the syndicate and have called on the public to provide timely and credible information.
Joint Security Operation Neutralizes Kidnapping Suspect
In a separate operation, Enugu police, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards, Neighbourhood Watch, and local vigilantes, neutralized a kidnapping suspect and rescued a male victim in Udenu Local Government Area.
The operation followed reports that armed individuals had abducted a male resident in the Ezimo-Uno community on January 29, 2026.
During the operation in the Agu-Shere and Okpakereke forest areas, the kidnappers fired upon security forces. Operatives responded effectively, neutralizing one suspect while others fled with gunshot injuries. Recovered items included:
- AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds
- Extra magazine
- Two daggers
- Military camouflage uniforms
- Mobile phones and assorted food items
- Cooking materials and a freshly slaughtered chicken
The victim was rescued unharmed. Authorities continue to pursue fleeing suspects and have urged residents, especially healthcare providers, to report individuals with gunshot injuries immediately.
Human Trafficking in Nigeria: A Persistent Threat
Human trafficking remains a significant challenge in Nigeria. According to U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report 2025, Nigeria is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking. Victims are often lured with promises of employment abroad and coerced into sexual exploitation, highlighting the importance of public awareness and law enforcement vigilance.
In southeastern Nigeria, traffickers frequently use ritual oaths to control victims, a tactic documented in multiple studies on human trafficking patterns across West Africa. This psychological coercion ensures compliance and prevents victims from escaping, as seen in the recent Enugu case.
Multi-Agency Collaboration Key to Success
The success of the Enugu operations underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local security actors. Multi-agency responses combining police, military, vigilantes, and community stakeholders enhance operational effectiveness, especially in rural and forested regions. Similar interventions in 2025 across Nigeria’s southeast yielded comparable results, demonstrating the value of coordinated intelligence and rapid response in dismantling organized crime networks.
Government and Policy Measures
The Nigerian government has reinforced measures against human trafficking through strengthened border security, intelligence-led operations, and collaboration with international partners.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) provides critical support in rehabilitation and legal prosecution, complementing state police operations.
Authorities stress the importance of community vigilance. Public reports and tips enable rapid police intervention, preventing exploitation and aiding in the rescue of victims.
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Commissioner Giwa reiterated that residents should remain alert and provide credible information to security agencies without delay.
Transnational trafficking syndicates increasingly exploit gaps in enforcement and borders.
