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Delta Police rescue trafficking victim from Côte d’Ivoire

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The Delta State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its campaign against human trafficking with the arrest of a suspected trafficker and the successful rescue of a 25-year-old woman who was allegedly deceived into travelling to Côte d’Ivoire under the guise of learning a trade before being forced into prostitution.

The command said the operation followed a petition that exposed an alleged cross-border human trafficking network targeting vulnerable young women with false promises of better opportunities abroad.

The development was contained in a statement made available to journalists by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe.

Victim allegedly deceived with apprenticeship offer

According to the police, investigations began after a petition alleged that the suspect, identified as Ese Betty Isiorho, 26, lured the victim to Côte d’Ivoire with the promise of training her in hairdressing.

However, police investigations revealed that shortly after arriving in the West African country, the victim was allegedly forced into prostitution instead of receiving the promised vocational training.

The command described the incident as another example of the deceptive tactics employed by human trafficking syndicates to exploit young Nigerians seeking employment or skills acquisition opportunities abroad.

Police arrest suspect

Acting on the petition, operatives of the Effurun Area Command, led by ACP Aliyu Shaba, launched an investigation that led to the arrest of the suspect.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to trafficking the rescued victim and another young woman, also in her twenties, to Côte d’Ivoire.

Police said the suspect admitted that both women were handed over to a woman identified simply as Madam Purity, who allegedly received them for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation.

The confession has provided investigators with fresh leads as efforts continue to dismantle the trafficking network and identify other persons connected with the operation.

Victim rescued, reunited with family

The police said sustained investigations and collaboration with relevant stakeholders led to the successful rescue and repatriation of the 25-year-old victim to Nigeria.

Following her return, the victim was reunited with her family and is currently receiving medical attention and other necessary support.

The command, however, disclosed that efforts are ongoing to rescue the second victim, who is still believed to be in Côte d’Ivoire.

Investigators are also working to identify and apprehend other members of the trafficking syndicate, including the alleged accomplice identified as Madam Purity.

The police expressed optimism that ongoing investigations would lead to further arrests and the rescue of other victims who may still be trapped by the criminal network.

CP reaffirms commitment against human trafficking

Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, described the rescue as a significant milestone in the command’s fight against organised crime and human trafficking.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to identifying, disrupting and dismantling trafficking syndicates operating within and outside Delta State.

The police commissioner assured residents that the command would continue to work closely with relevant agencies and partners to rescue victims, prosecute offenders and prevent vulnerable persons from falling prey to traffickers.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution when approached with offers of overseas employment, apprenticeship or educational opportunities that appear suspicious.

CP Oyeniyi also called on parents, guardians and community leaders to sensitise young people on the dangers of human trafficking and to verify the authenticity of travel and recruitment arrangements before allowing anyone to travel abroad.

He further appealed to residents to promptly report suspicious recruitment activities, illegal migration schemes and other trafficking-related information to the police, stressing that timely intelligence remains critical in preventing the activities of organised criminal groups.

The commissioner reaffirmed that the Delta State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, combating organised crime and ensuring that perpetrators of human trafficking are brought to justice in accordance with the law.