The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged interstate child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, rescued 17 children and arrested seven suspects in an intelligence-led operation.
The breakthrough followed an investigation into the disappearance of three-year-old Ifakunle Ifagbenro, who reportedly went missing during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.
Police detectives, acting on credible intelligence, identified and arrested Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4. During interrogation, Popoola allegedly confessed to involvement in the stealing, movement and sale of children from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.
Her disclosures reportedly led investigators to Mowe, Ogun State, where they arrested Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna. Four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from her custody.
Further investigation provided leads that enabled detectives to locate Ifakunle in the Gbagi area of Ibadan, where he was rescued on August 20.
The investigation subsequently revealed that the alleged criminal operation extended beyond Oyo and Ogun states, prompting detectives to widen the operation to other parts of the country.
On September 2, police operatives moved to Agbor, Delta State, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from persons suspected of having illegally acquired them. Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse were arrested in connection with the operation.
According to the police, the development further confirmed the interstate nature of the alleged child-trafficking network.
Investigators also uncovered allegations that some victims who died in the custody of members of the network were transferred to persons involved in ritual activities. Two suspects, Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, were subsequently arrested and are being investigated over the alleged use of victims for ritual purposes.
The police said they had also received information concerning six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the network, adding that efforts were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Oyo State Command for the breakthrough and directed that the investigation be sustained to dismantle the entire network, locate other missing children and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that perpetrators of child-related crimes were brought to justice in accordance with the law.
