The rescued victims
Oyo State Police Command has rescued five Congolese nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking during an intelligence-led operation at Bollarz Hotel, Araromi area of Ibadan.
The command’s spokesman, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed this is in a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
DSP Ayanlade said the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, has directed operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to take immediate action, resulting in the successful rescue of the five foreign nationals from the hotel.
He identified the rescued persons to include: Bonsaly Mpika Donel, male, 24; Charles Siloe, male, 23; Eliane Ruth Makengo, female, 26; Makota Janie Darcel, female, 23; and Simba Babeki Elie, male, 33.
He said during preliminary questioning, the victims disclosed that a man identified as Smith, a national of the Republic of Benin, had lured them into Nigeria on the promise of greener pasture and better economic opportunities.
The police spokesman, however, said the suspect was not found at the hotel during the operation, and efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend him.
He added that: “Following their rescue, the victims received medical attention and underwent medical examinations.
“The Commissioner of Police has further directed that they be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State Command, for necessary action in accordance with established procedures.
“The Command remains committed to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons. Members of the public are urged to provide credible and actionable information that could assist in identifying and apprehending those connected with the suspected trafficking operation.
“Oyo State Call Response Centre Toll-Free Line: 615
Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614, 07055495413
