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Detectives from Ondo State Police Command have dismantled a sex trafficking syndicate that allegedly exploited young women under the guise of job recruitment and social media content creation. The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Olayinka Ayanlade, who disclosed this, said about 15 victims were rescued during the operation, while three people have been arrested in connection with the crime. He said detectives from the command acted on credible intelligence, with operatives of the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit arrested one Jayeola Joshua of Alagbaka, Akure, alongside two others believed to be members of the trafficking ring. According to PPRO, the syndicate lured unsuspecting victims from across the country with fake promises of lucrative job offers, including domestic work, ushering services, and potential overseas employment. He said, “Upon arrival in Akure, the 15 victims, aged between 20 and 26, were housed in an apartment in Alagbaka, which served as the operational base for the illicit activities.” Ayanlade described the scheme as a calculated attempt to prey on vulnerable young job seekers. He said investigations revealed that the victims were coerced into recording nude videos and images, which were sent to clients seeking sexual services. Ayanlade said the illegal operation was allegedly disguised as the production of ‘relationship content’ for social media. The police also discovered that the apartment used by the syndicate had been rented specifically for the operation. Ayanlade, however, said the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has since ordered the landlords to be invited for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. The police spokesperson said the rescued victims had been taken to the Police Hospital in Akure for medical attention, psychological evaluation, and counselling. He added that the Commissioner of Police has also directed that the case be transferred to the Command’s Gender Desk for further investigation and for support towards the victims’ rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Ayanlade further disclosed that the CP has ordered the prosecution of all arrested suspects while efforts are underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate. He noted that the swift dismantling of the operation was made possible through intelligence-driven policing and inter-agency collaboration, stressing that the Command maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Reiterating the CP’s warning, Ayanlade urged parents and guardians to thoroughly verify job offers and recruitment agents before allowing their children to travel in search of employment. He also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to help law enforcement prevent and combat crime across the state. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
