By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued two Colombian nationals who were allegedly lured to Nigeria and held captive by a suspected human trafficking syndicate in Lagos.
The victims, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were rescued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, by operatives attached to the National Central Bureau (NCB-INTERPOL), Lagos Annex, following actionable intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the two women were allegedly fraudulently lured to Nigeria and subsequently held against their will, while their travel documents were confiscated by some Chinese nationals suspected to be members of the syndicate.
Following receipt of the intelligence, the police commenced a covert tracking operation which led to the identification of the suspected hideout in Lagos. Operatives moved in on August 26 and successfully rescued the two victims.
The suspected perpetrators reportedly fled the location after sighting the approaching police team, abandoning the hideout. The Police said efforts have been intensified to identify, track and arrest all members of the syndicate.
The rescued Colombian nationals are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support. The Colombian Embassy in Accra is also collaborating with the NCB-INTERPOL, Lagos Annex, to arrange hotel accommodation and secure emergency travel documents for the victims ahead of their return to Bogotá.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting the lives and property of residents and strengthening collaboration with international law enforcement agencies in tackling transnational organised crime.
The Force said the operation further demonstrates the importance of international intelligence-sharing and cooperation in combating human trafficking and other cross-border criminal activities.
