Police Bust Interstate Child-Trafficking Syndicate, Rescue 17 Children
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged interstate child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta States, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects in an intelligence-led operation.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, detailing the breakthrough by the Oyo State Police Command following the disappearance of a three-year-old child, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.
According to the statement, the investigation began after the child was reported missing, leading detectives to arrest Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4, following extensive intelligence gathering.
Police said Popoola allegedly confessed to involvement in the stealing, movement and sale of children from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.
Her disclosures reportedly led investigators to Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, who was arrested in Mowe, Ogun State, where four children and two pregnant young women were allegedly rescued from her custody.
Further investigative leads subsequently led detectives to the missing three-year-old, Ifakunle, who was rescued in the Gbagi area of Ibadan on August 20.
The investigation, however, allegedly revealed that the criminal network extended beyond Oyo and Ogun States, prompting detectives to expand their operation to Agbor, Delta State.
On September 2, police operatives reportedly rescued four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State from persons suspected of having illegally acquired them, while Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse were arrested in connection with the operation.
The Police said the development further confirmed the interstate dimension of the alleged trafficking network.
The investigation also uncovered allegations that some deceased victims were transferred to persons involved in ritual activities, leading to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, who are being investigated over the alleged use of victims for ritual purposes.
Police further disclosed that information had been received concerning six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the network, stressing that investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.
Commending the Oyo State Command for the breakthrough, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, directed investigators to sustain efforts to dismantle the entire network, locate additional missing children and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
The IGP said the Force remained committed to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that perpetrators of child-related crimes face the full weight of the law.
“Efforts must be sustained to dismantle the entire network, locate additional missing children and ensure that all persons found culpable are brought to justice,” the statement quoted Disu as directing.
The Nigeria Police Force urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations into child-stealing, trafficking and related crimes.
