Police Rescue 17 Children, Arrest Seven Over Alleged Interstate Trafficking Network

The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged child-stealing and human trafficking network operating across several states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects following an intelligence-led investigation.

The Force disclosed this in a statement on Monday, September 7, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, who said the investigation was led by the Oyo State Police Command.

The probe began after the disappearance of three-year-old Ifakunle Ifagbenro during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.

According to the police, investigators identified and arrested Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4 following extensive investigative efforts.

The police said Popoola allegedly disclosed her involvement in the “stealing, movement and sale of children” from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.

Her information reportedly led detectives to Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, who was arrested in Mowe, Ogun State.

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“Four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from her custody,” the statement said.

The police said further information obtained during the investigation helped detectives trace Ifakunle to the Gbagi area of Ibadan, where he was rescued on August 20.

Investigators subsequently discovered that the alleged criminal operation extended beyond Oyo and Ogun states.

Acting on further leads, police detectives on September 2 extended the operation to Agbor, Delta State, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued.

Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse were arrested in connection with the operation, which the police said further confirmed the interstate nature of the alleged network.

The investigation also uncovered allegations that some deceased victims were transferred to individuals involved in ritual activities.

The development led to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, who are being investigated over the alleged use of victims for ritual purposes.

The police said they had also received information about six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the network.

“Efforts [are] ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths,” the statement said.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Oyo State Command for what he described as a breakthrough in the investigation.

Disu directed the command to sustain efforts to dismantle the alleged network, locate additional missing children and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.