Army apprehends human trafficker, rescues victim in Lagos
... Attempt to transport victim to Libya foiled
CITIZENS COMPASS–Troops of 65 Bn Nigerian Army (NA) operating under the 81 Division NA, on Monday, said they have successfully apprehended a human trafficker, Mrs Olushola Areke, in connection with human trafficking in Lagos.
Her arrest followed actionable intelligence by the troops.
The suspect was accused of kidnapping Miss Fayoke Kunle, a 22-year-old daughter of Mrs Ainor Kunle who claimed she had voluntarily entrusted her daughter to the suspect.
According to Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Lieutenant Colonel, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army in a statement on Monday, April 29, 2024, the suspect had promised to secure employment for the young girl in Oshodi, Lagos.
However, rather than heading for Oshodi as promised, the suspect moved Miss Kunle to Kano, where the victim later discovered herself and overheard discussions about being transported to Libya. Miss Kunle courageously escaped from her captor and returned home on April 23, 2024.
In response to this alarming report, troops reached out to Mrs Areke and were subsequently arrested at the designated meeting point, where she intended to pick up her supposed other victims.
Both the suspect and the victim have been handed over to the Ajah Police Command in Lagos for further investigation.
The Division urged members of the public to continue to support the NA in providing timely information to aid in maintaining law and order. The NA remains committed to promoting peace and stability across the Division Area of Responsibility.
