Army Troops Arrest and Handsover Human Trafficker to Police in Lagos, Rescue Victim

Troops of the 65 Battalion Nigerian Army (NA) operating under the 81 Division NA, have successfully apprehended a human trafficker Mrs Olushola Areke in Lagos. 

81 Division, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Lt Col Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni explained that the suspect was accused of kidnapping Miss Fayoke Kunle, a 22-year-old daughter of Mrs Ainor Kunle. Mrs Kunle claimed she had voluntarily entrusted her daughter to the suspect, who had promised to secure employment for the young girl in Oshodi, Lagos. 

However, instead of heading to 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 23 April 2024.

In response to this alarming report, troops reached out to Mrs Areke, offering to entrust more people to her for job opportunities. The suspect eagerly accepted the offer and was 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 wishes to urge 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.