SWAT busts ‘notorious sex trafficking’ ring, rescues15 young ladies in Ondo
Operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the Ondo State Police Command have bust a “notorious s3x trafficking” syndicate that exploited young women under the guise of job recruitment and social media content creation.
The operation led to the rescue of 15 young ladies between 20 and 26, according to a statement ion Sunday in Akure by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade.
Ayanlade said the SWAT team, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Jayeola Joshua, a resident of Alagbaka, along with two accomplices in connection with the crime.
He explained that investigations revealed the syndicate lured its victims from different parts of the country with false promises of lucrative employment opportunities – including domestic work, ushering services, and overseas placements.
According to him, evidence showed that an apartment in Alagbaka was specifically rented to facilitate illegal activities.
He added that following this discovery, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, directed that the landlords be invited for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
“The arrangement not only facilitated exploitation but also highlighted how organized criminal elements prey on the vulnerability of unsuspecting young women seeking legitimate opportunities.
“Upon arrival in Akure, the 15 victims were accommodated in an apartment in Alagbaka, which became the operational base for the illicit activities.
“Further inquiries revealed that the victims were manipulated into sending nude images and videos, which were later shared with clients procuring sexual services,” Ayanlade added.
He noted the principal suspect received the largest share of the proceeds, disguising the operation as a social media “relationship content creation” venture to mislead the public and conceal the criminal intent.
Ayanlade said the rescued young women have been taken to a hospital in Akure for medical care, psychological evaluation, and counseling.
CP Lawal has directed that the case be transferred to the Command’s Gender Desk Unit for further investigation, counseling, and reintegration of the victims into society.
He also ordered the prosecution of all arrested suspects, while efforts continue to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
Lawal emphasized that intelligence-driven policing and inter-agency collaboration have enhanced operational efficiency, enabling the Command to swiftly dismantle the trafficking network.
Reaffirming his commitment to eradicating human trafficking and sexual exploitation, the police chief urged parents and guardians to verify job offers and recruitment agencies before allowing their wards to travel.
He further called on residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could help prevent and detect crimes across the state, stressing the importance of community partnership in maintaining public safety.
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