Police Detain Trafficking Syndicate in Lagos for Exploiting Young Girls

The Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos has arrested a syndicate involved in trafficking girls to Mauritania for prostitution. Two suspects were apprehended, one admitting to recruiting girls including her own daughter. Investigations continue, with plans to charge the suspects in court.

Law enforcement officials from the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos have apprehended a syndicate involved in trafficking girls from Nigeria to Mauritania, allegedly for the purposes of prostitution and sexual exploitation. The Zonal Public Relations Officer, CSP Umma Ayuba, released a statement confirming the detentions made on March 22 in the Meiran area of Lagos. Members of the Zonal Intelligence Response Squad, led by SP Francis Kpoughul, executed the operation at the syndicate’s base, resulting in the capture of two suspects.

CSP Ayuba detailed that one suspect provided significant admissions during interrogation. She stated she had been introduced to a woman based in Mauritania by another woman, who is currently serving a jail sentence for related offenses. The suspect revealed that she was contracted to recruit young girls under 22 for sexual exploitation in Mauritania and admitted receiving ₦50,000 per girl sent, including her own 19-year-old daughter within that number.

The second suspect, who was also apprehended, informed authorities that she had been hired by the first suspect to recruit girls for domestic work in Mauritania. Upon investigation, she realized the girls were intended for sexual purposes and chose to withdraw from the operation after discovering the nature of their exploitative engagement. She indicated that the sole girl she sent to the first suspect was turned away due to her youth and physique, which raised her suspicions.

Investigations are currently ongoing, and the police have indicated that both suspects will face charges in court once the inquiries are finalized. The authorities are committed to addressing the grave issues of trafficking and exploitation.

The recent operation by the Zone 2 Police Command highlights the persistent issue of human trafficking in Nigeria, particularly involving vulnerable young women. The confessions of the suspects provide insight into the operations of trafficking networks, emphasizing the need for ongoing investigations and legal action against those involved. Authorities remain vigilant in combating these crimes and protecting potential victims from exploitation.

Original Source: newsdiaryonline.com