The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement, saying the breakthrough followed an intelligence-led investigation into the disappearance of a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, during a masquerade festival in Oyo town on June 29, 2026.
According to Iniedu, police detectives arrested one of the suspected members of the syndicate, Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4 after an extensive investigation.
He said Popoola allegedly confessed to participating in the stealing, movement and sale of children from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.
Her disclosures reportedly led detectives to another suspect, Adekanbi Janet, popularly known as Hosanna, who was arrested in Mowe, Ogun State.
“Four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from her custody,” Iniedu said.
He added that information obtained during the investigation subsequently led detectives to Ifakunle’s whereabouts, with the boy rescued from the Gbagi area of Ibadan on August 20.
Further investigation, the police spokesman said, revealed that the alleged criminal network extended beyond Oyo and Ogun states.
As part of efforts to dismantle the syndicate, police detectives on September 2 extended their operation to Agbor, Delta State, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from individuals suspected of having illegally acquired them.
Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse were arrested in connection with the operation, with police saying their arrests provided further evidence of the alleged interstate nature of the network.
The investigation also uncovered allegations that some deceased victims were transferred to individuals suspected of involvement in ritual activities.
The police said the development led to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, who are currently being investigated over the allegations.
The Command further disclosed that it had received information concerning six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the suspected network.
According to the police, investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and establish the identities and possible roles of those involved.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Oyo State Police Command for the breakthrough and directed the officers involved to intensify efforts to dismantle the alleged criminal network.
The IGP also ordered that investigations be expanded to locate more missing children and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, dismantling criminal networks and bringing perpetrators of child-related crimes to justice.
