The Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State has intercepted a suspected child trafficking syndicate and rescued a 13-year-old girl along the Owena axis of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspects were arrested on April 23 at about 6:44 p.m. at the Owena checkpoint by personnel of the Nigerian Army.
According to Jimoh, the suspects were travelling in a Toyota Hummer 18-seater commercial bus en route from Lagos to Abuja when they were intercepted.
He identified the driver as Akomolafe Tope, 59, and the conductor as Sunday Ismaila, 48. The vehicle, he said, was loaded with waybills, raising initial suspicion.
“Upon thorough scrutiny, a 13-year-old girl was found in their custody under suspicious circumstances,” Jimoh said. “The suspects could not provide credible or verifiable information regarding the identity, origin, or destination of the minor.”
The girl was immediately rescued and placed under protective care, while the suspects were taken into custody.
The case has since been transferred to the Gender-Based Offences Unit for further investigation, with police confirming that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of inquiries.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for crimes against children and other vulnerable groups, assuring that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
Police said the operation highlights growing collaboration between security agencies, noting that joint efforts with the Nigerian Army have improved intelligence sharing and rapid response to threats.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, especially involving minors, while transport operators were advised to properly verify passenger identities to avoid aiding criminal acts.
Authorities say efforts to dismantle trafficking networks across the state will continue.
