The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says its operatives have rescued two foreign nationals lured to Nigeria and held captive by “certain Chinese nationals”.

Ani Iniedu, force public relations officer, said on Saturday that the operation was a breakthrough in the fight against transnational organised crime.

Iniedu said the rescue was carried out by operatives attached to the National Central Bureau (NCB-INTERPOL), Lagos annex.

He said ​the operation followed intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá, on August 26, regarding two female citizens of Colombia, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa.

“The victims were fraudulently lured to Nigeria, held against their will, and had their travel documents confiscated by certain Chinese nationals who are currently at large,” the statement reads.

“​Upon receipt of the intelligence, police operatives promptly launched a covert tracking operation, locating the hideout in Lagos where both victims were safely rescued on the same day.

“The fleeing suspects abandoned the location upon sighting the approaching team, and efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest all members of the syndicate.”

Iniedu said the rescued victims are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support.

“The Colombian Embassy in Accra is working in close collaboration with the Bureau to secure hotel accommodations for the victims and arrange emergency travel documents to ensure their safe return to Bogotá,” the statement reads.

Olatunji Disu, inspector-general of police (IGP), reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents within the country.

Disu added that the force would continue to deepen collaboration with international law enforcement partners to combat cross-border crimes.

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