The Enugu State Police Command has announced the bust of a transnational human trafficking syndicate involved in prostitution and the detention of a suspect, a police spokesman said in a statement on Thursday. The operation also led to the rescue of a 20‑year‑old female victim.
The announcement was made by SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, in Enugu. He said the arrest followed credible intelligence and swift action by operatives of the Igbo‑Eze South Police Division on January 16.
Preliminary investigations indicate the victim, who is a native of Abia State, was lured into resigning from her job in Aba with the promise of a lucrative opportunity in Senegal. Authorities said the opportunity later turned out to be linked to prostitution.
SP Ndukwe said the suspect, a 50‑year‑old woman who operates from Amorji‑Nike in Enugu, took the victim to a shrine in Alor‑Agu Community, Igbo‑Eze South Local Government Area on instruction of other syndicate members, who remain at large.
At the shrine, they allegedly arranged for an oath of allegiance ahead of the planned trafficking to Senegal.
The Divisional Police Officer responded to the intelligence around 8:00 p.m. and led a team to the location, where the suspect was detained and the victim rescued. Authorities said the rescued woman has been debriefed and reunited with her family.
SP Ndukwe said investigations are ongoing to dismantle the syndicate and bring other members to justice. He noted that preliminary findings suggest the crime involved deceptive recruitment for sexual exploitation across borders.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu, Mr Mamman Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to ensure that all persons connected with the syndicate are detained and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Giwa reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking, prostitution, and other related crimes. He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to support ongoing efforts.
The Enugu State Police Command has busted a transnational human trafficking syndicate linked to prostitution, detained a suspect and rescued a victim following an intelligence‑led operation.
Police said investigations continue to dismantle the broader network and bring other suspects to justice.
