In a significant operation, the Ondo State Police Command has disrupted a trans-national human trafficking network, resulting in the arrest of multiple individuals and the liberation of 14 victims. These operations were conducted in two separate instances within the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, announced the success through a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh. The breakthrough was initiated by a complaint filed on January 22, 2026, by Meale Yaoili, a citizen of Togo. Yaoili reported that he had been lured from Togo to Nigeria with promises of employment in Canada but subsequently escaped from a trafficking ring.
According to the police report, Yaoili was deceived by a suspect identified as Tchodia Potolaw Fidel, who is currently at large. Fidel allegedly informed Yaoili that a Canadian Embassy was unavailable in Togo. Upon arriving in Nigeria, Yaoili's personal belongings were confiscated, and he was held against his will after paying 800,000 CFA francs.
Following this report, police operatives apprehended six suspects: Cleude Grao, Samuel Dsiwa, Michael Amissa, Olayiwola Kazeem, Akinubi Adebayo, and Oluwole Vincent, who is the owner of the property where victims were held. During this operation, three victims were rescued from the illegal compound.
A second trafficking network was exposed on January 23, 2026. This investigation began after a case initially reported as banditry by the Chief of Oba-Ile was forwarded to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough probe. Initial findings indicated that the individuals involved were not bandits but rather illegal immigrants from the Republic of Chad residing in a duplex in the OSOPADEC area of Akure.
The police identified the main suspect as Umaru Baba, who allegedly orchestrated cross-border criminal activities, including recruitment and trafficking of individuals, engaging in what amounts to modern-day slavery. The statement indicated that Baba purportedly operated a company involved in online marketing, using this guise to lure and detain eleven men and one woman under the pretence of commission-based marketing.
The eleven men and one woman rescued in this operation were identified as Husein Abdullahi (26), Hassan Yaya (23), Umaru Samida (19), Umaru Buba (24), Mohammed Almat (24), Saleh Abduraman (23), Musa Mohammed (22), Mohammed Watala (20), Ali Mohammad (26), Hassan Hussein (24), and Yusuf Yakubu (23). Police investigations confirmed they were all Chadian nationals who had been illegally transported into Nigeria with the intention of proceeding to the Cameroonian border.
Currently, the suspects are in police custody, while the foreign nationals are being treated as victims of human trafficking. Access to the apartment used for these crimes was initially difficult due to the absence of the key holder. The landlord, reportedly a female resident of Ibadan, is being sought for questioning regarding alleged negligence.
The police spokesperson confirmed that the arrested suspects have provided useful statements, and efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate who are still at large. The rescued foreign nationals are expected to be transferred to their respective embassies for diplomatic action and repatriation.
CP Lawal issued a stern warning to landlords and property owners, urging them to conduct thorough background checks on tenants. He emphasized that complicity in allowing properties to be used for criminal activities would lead to legal repercussions. The Commissioner also commended the Inspector- General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his contributions to police reforms and technological advancements that have improved operations in the state.
The command reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to combating human trafficking, trans-border crimes, and all forms of criminal activities. Residents were encouraged to provide crucial information to security agencies.
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