By Odita Sunday
The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an interstate child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects in an intelligence-led operation.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the investigation followed the disappearance of three-year-old Ifakunle Ifagbenro during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.
Iniedu said detectives traced the disappearance to Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, who was arrested on August 4 after an extensive investigation.
According to him, Popoola allegedly confessed to involvement in the stealing, movement and sale of children from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.
Her disclosures reportedly led detectives to Mowe, Ogun State, where Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, was arrested.
Four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from Janet’s custody, the police said.
Further investigation led to the recovery of Ifakunle in the Gbagi area of Ibadan on August 20, according to the FPRO.
The police subsequently discovered that the syndicate’s operations extended beyond Oyo and Ogun states.
Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, detectives on September 2 extended the operation to Agbor, Delta State, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from persons suspected of having illegally acquired them.
Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse were arrested in connection with the operation, further exposing the interstate network.
Iniedu said the investigation also uncovered allegations that some deceased victims were transferred to individuals involved in ritual activities.
Two suspects, Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, were arrested and are being investigated over the alleged use of victims for ritual purposes.
The police said information had also been received concerning six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the network, adding that efforts were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Oyo State Command for the breakthrough and directed that the operation be sustained until the entire network is dismantled.
The IGP also ordered the police to intensify efforts to locate additional missing children and ensure that all persons found culpable are prosecuted.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons and dismantling criminal networks involved in child-related crimes.
The Force said perpetrators would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
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