Troops belonging to the 65 Battalion of the Nigerian Army (NA), operating under the 81 Division NA, have successfully apprehended a human trafficker in Lagos. Acting on actionable intelligence, Mrs. Olushola Areke was arrested in connection with human trafficking activities.
Confirming the incident, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, stated that the suspect stands accused of kidnapping Miss Fayoke Kunle, a 22-year-old daughter of Mrs. Ainor Kunle.
According to Mrs. Kunle, she had entrusted her daughter voluntarily to the suspect, who had promised to secure employment for the young girl in Oshodi, Lagos. However, instead of fulfilling her promise, the suspect transported Miss Kunle to Kano, where the victim realized her predicament and overheard discussions about being trafficked to Libya. Showing remarkable courage, Miss Kunle managed to escape from her captor and returned home on April 23, 2024.
In response to the distressing situation, troops engaged Mrs. Areke and subsequently arrested her at the designated meeting point, where she intended to collect her supposed other victims.
Both the suspect and the victim have been handed over to the Ajah Police Command in Lagos for further investigation and legal proceedings.
The 81 Division emphasizes the importance of public cooperation in providing timely information to aid in maintaining law and order. The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting peace and stability across its operational area.
