The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across multiple states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects in an intelligence-led operation coordinated by the Oyo State Command.
Accordibg to Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarter, investigation began after the disappearance of a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, who went missing during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026. Detectives tracked and arrested Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4, 2026. During interrogation, Popoola allegedly confessed to stealing, moving and selling children abducted from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.
Her statement led police to Adekanbi Janet, alias Hosanna, who was arrested in Mowe, Ogun State. Four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from her custody. Further leads from the investigation helped detectives rescue Ifakunle in the Gbagi area of Ibadan on August 20, 2026, and revealed that the network extended beyond Oyo and Ogun States.
On September 2, 2026, police extended the operation to Agbor, Delta State, where four additional children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued. Two suspects, Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse, were arrested, confirming the interstate nature of the syndicate. The Command also said the probe uncovered allegations that some victims were transferred to persons involved in ritual activities, leading to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez. Police added that they received information about six children who allegedly died while in the custody of the network and are working to establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Oyo State Command for the breakthrough. He directed that efforts be sustained to dismantle the entire network, locate more missing children, and ensure that all those culpable are prosecuted. The IGP reiterated the Force’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the Nigeria Police Force remains determined to dismantle criminal networks involved in child-related crimes and to bring perpetrators to justice in accordance with the law. Investigations are ongoing.
