The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 17 children and arrested seven people after discovering an alleged child-trafficking and human trafficking syndicate operating throughout the states of Oyo, Ogun, and Delta.

The discovery came after an intelligence-led investigation into the disappearance of a three-year-old child, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, at a masquerade event in Oyo town on June 29, 2026, according to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu.

Iniedu claims that after conducting thorough investigations, police detectives detained Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4.

According to him, Popoola allegedly admitted to being involved in the theft, transportation, and sale of children from churches, parties, and other locations both inside and outside of Oyo State.

According to the police spokesperson, her revelations helped investigators identify another suspect, Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, who was taken into custody in Mowe, Ogun State.

“Four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from her custody,” Iniedu said.

He continued by saying that evidence gathered throughout the inquiry helped investigators locate Ifakunle, who was saved on August 20 from the Gbagi neighbourhood of Ibadan.

The inquiry later showed that the purported criminal network was not limited to the states of Oyo and Ogun.

The police claim that on September 2, detectives expanded the operation to Agbor, Delta State, where they rescued four children who were reportedly taken from Oyo State from people who were thought to have obtained them unlawfully.

According to the police, Rosemary Jesse and Christopher Joy were detained in relation to the operation, and their detentions further supported the network's purported interstate nature.

Allegations that deceased victims were conveyed to others suspected of participating in ritual activities were also revealed by the investigation.

According to the police, the incident resulted in the arrest of Yakubu Azeez and Muritala Fasasi, who are being looked into regarding the accusations.

Additionally, the Command claimed to have acquired information regarding six children who were purportedly killed while under the care of network members.

It stated that the circumstances surrounding the alleged fatalities were being investigated.

Source