The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the breakthrough followed an intelligence-led investigation into the disappearance of three-year-old Ifakunle Ifagbenro during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.
According to the police, detectives arrested Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4 following extensive investigations. She allegedly confessed to participating in the stealing, movement and sale of children from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.
Her disclosures reportedly led to the arrest of Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, in Mowe, Ogun State, where four children and two pregnant young women were rescued.
The investigation subsequently led detectives to Ifakunle, who was rescued in the Gbagi area of Ibadan on August 20.
The police said further investigations revealed that the syndicate operated across state borders.
On September 2, detectives extended the operation to Agbor, Delta State, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from individuals suspected of illegally acquiring them. Two suspects, Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse, were arrested in connection with the operation.
The investigation also uncovered allegations that some deceased victims were transferred to individuals involved in ritual activities, leading to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez.
The police said information had also been received concerning six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the syndicate, adding that efforts were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding their reported deaths.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Oyo State Command for the breakthrough and directed that efforts be sustained to dismantle the entire network, locate more missing children and prosecute all persons found culpable.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons and combating child-related crimes across the country.
