In Oyo State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended four individuals believed to be involved in human trafficking and successfully freed nine individuals who were being exploited as prostitutes in the region.
Furthermore, the security command disclosed the recovery of fifty-five 30-litre kegs filled with smuggled petrol in the vicinity of Gwagwasu Moore Road, Kishi, located in the northern part of the state.
During a recent press event held at the NSCDC’s headquarters in Ibadan, the Commandant for Oyo State, Augustine Padonu, provided details on these operations.
Padonu mentioned that the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit of the NSCDC apprehended the suspects and rescued the victims from a hotel in Apata area of Ibadan. The victims were allegedly being prepared for prostitution.
Among the rescued individuals were seven adult females and two underage females.
The commandant highlighted that three of the suspects were specialized in trafficking underage girls from rural areas for the purpose of prostitution.
The fourth suspect, a male hotel manager, was found to be collaborating with the three female suspects in using trafficked underage girls as sex workers in the hotel.
Padonu emphasized the significant progress made by the NSCDC in combating human trafficking and petroleum product smuggling within Oyo State.
He stressed their dedication to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from exploitation and ensuring the country’s economy is protected from illicit activities,” he remarked.
Addressing the issue of smuggled petrol recovery, Padonu mentioned that the NSCDC’s surveillance team acted promptly upon receiving reliable intelligence about petrol smuggling activities in Kishi town on July 30.
During the operation, the team discovered 55 hidden 30-litre petrol containers in the surrounding forest.
Padonu underscored the continuous challenges posed by the smuggling of petroleum products across border regions, which not only jeopardizes the economy but also poses threats to public safety.
He revealed that the suspects involved in the petrol smuggling operation managed to escape upon sighting NSCDC officials, and are currently evading capture.
Efforts are underway to track down and apprehend the suspects, with Padonu urging the public to report any related information to the NSCDC.
NSCDC’s commitment to shielding vulnerable individuals from exploitation and combatting petroleum product smuggling across borders was reiterated by Padonu, emphasizing their determination to uphold the nation’s interests.
One of the underage victims of human trafficking, speaking to reporters, disclosed being pregnant and earning N10,000 daily, of which she was only given N2,000 by one of the traffickers who brought her from the village.
(NAN)