The Enugu State Police Command has successfully dismantled a transnational human trafficking syndicate, resulting in the rescue of a 25-year-old woman who had been trafficked to Mali and forced into a life of prostitution.
The operation also led to the apprehension of a 69-year-old suspect, identified as Eze Boniface, who is believed to be a key player in the criminal network.
The breakthrough followed a formal complaint lodged by the victim’s parents, which prompted operatives from the Igbo-Eze North Police Division to swing into action. Boniface was taken into custody on January 21, 2026, as part of an ongoing effort to root out human trafficking within the state.
Investigation details released by the Command reveal a harrowing tale of deception that began in May 2023. The suspect and his accomplices, who remain at large, allegedly lured the victim and her family with a glittering promise of high-paying employment at a textile company abroad.
The syndicate reportedly convinced the family that the young woman would earn a daily wage of $100. Instead of the promised career, the victim was transported to Mali, where she was subjected to sexual exploitation. It is estimated that the traffickers pocketed approximately 500,000 CFA francs from her forced labour.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has taken a firm stance on the matter, directing the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to lead a comprehensive crackdown. The mandate includes dismantling the entire trafficking infrastructure, uncovering further illicit activities linked to the group, and ensuring all remaining members of the syndicate are brought to justice.
In light of this incident, CP Giwa issued a stern warning to the public, urging parents, guardians, and the youth to remain vigilant. He cautioned against the allure of “too-good-to-be-true” job offers and promises of a better life in foreign countries, which are often used as bait by traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals.
