Police Crack Down on Humanness Trafficking, Kidnapping in Enugu and Taraba

The Nigeria Police Force says it has made fresh strides in the fight against human trafficking and kidnapping, with operatives in Enugu and Taraba States rescuing two victims, arresting three suspects, and recovering firearms in separate operations.

According to Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the breakthroughs were achieved through intelligence-led patrols and swift tactical responses aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the country.

On July 30, 2025, around 2:00 p.m., officers of the Enugu State Police Command, while patrolling the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, intercepted 30-year-old Raymond Sunday Wonna, suspected of trafficking two young women — 18-year-old Miracle Ogar and 16-year-old Angela Kingsley. Investigations revealed that the victims were allegedly lured from Ogoja, Cross River State, under the guise of securing jobs in Ghana.

Police said the suspect planned to send them to work in a restaurant allegedly owned by his “baby mama” in Ghana, without their parents’ knowledge or consent. While lodging them in a hotel before departure, he allegedly attempted to sexually assault them. The intervention of officers stopped the trip, and the victims have since been reunited with their families. Efforts are underway to trace other members of the suspected trafficking ring.

In a separate operation, Taraba State Police Command operatives, working with local security outfits, raided Mahadi Forest in Gassol LGA on August 13, 2025, at about 10:00 a.m. They arrested 20-year-old Yahaya Umar and 47-year-old Mohammed Umar, both suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate. An AK-47 rifle was recovered at the scene. Police said the suspects confessed to being involved in several abductions in Plateau and Taraba States.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun commended the operatives for their vigilance and ordered a thorough investigation to ensure the suspects are prosecuted. He also reiterated the Force’s commitment to protecting citizens and urged communities to remain vigilant and share credible information with security agencies.