The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an interstate child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects following an intelligence-led investigation by the Oyo State Police Command.
In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja CSP Ani Iniedu, said the investigation began after three-year-old Ifakunle Ifagbenro disappeared during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.
Following sustained investigations, police detectives arrested Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4. Police said her interrogation provided crucial leads into a wider network allegedly involved in stealing, transporting and selling children from churches, parties and other event venues across Oyo State and neighbouring states.
Popoola’s disclosures reportedly led detectives to Adekanbi Janet, alias Hosanna, who was arrested in Mowe, Ogun State. Four children and two pregnant young women were subsequently rescued from her custody.
Further investigative leads enabled the police to locate Ifakunle in the Gbagi area of Ibadan, where he was rescued on August 20.
The investigation subsequently exposed the interstate dimension of the syndicate, prompting detectives to extend their operations to Agbor, Delta State.
On September 2, police rescued four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State from individuals suspected of having illegally acquired them. Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse were arrested in connection with the operation.
The police said the investigation had also uncovered disturbing allegations that some deceased victims were transferred to individuals allegedly involved in ritual activities.
This development led to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, who are being investigated over the alleged use of victims for ritual purposes.
The Oyo State Command also said it had received information concerning six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the syndicate, adding that investigations 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 investigators to sustain efforts to dismantle the entire criminal network.
He further ordered intensified efforts to locate additional missing children and ensure that all suspects found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police said the operation underscored its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, disrupting organised criminal networks and bringing perpetrators of child-related crimes to justice.
