The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across several states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects in an intelligence-led investigation.
The breakthrough was recorded by the Oyo State Police Command following an investigation into the disappearance of a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, who reportedly went missing during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, detectives commenced investigations after receiving credible intelligence on the child’s disappearance.
The investigation led to the arrest of Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4, 2026.
Iniedu said Popoola, during interrogation, allegedly confessed to involvement in the stealing, transportation and sale of children from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.
Her disclosures reportedly led detectives to another suspect, Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, who was arrested in Mowe, Ogun State.
Police said four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from Janet’s custody.
Further investigation provided detectives with information on the whereabouts of Ifakunle, leading to his rescue in the Gbagi area of Ibadan on August 20, 2026.
The Police said subsequent findings showed that the alleged criminal network extended beyond Oyo and Ogun states.
Acting on the leads, detectives on September 2, 2026, extended the operation to Agbor, Delta State, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from individuals suspected of having illegally acquired them.
Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse were arrested in connection with the operation, according to the Police.
The Force said the arrests and rescue operation further confirmed the interstate nature of the alleged trafficking network.
The investigation also uncovered allegations that some deceased victims were transferred to individuals involved in ritual activities.
Police subsequently arrested Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, who are being investigated over the alleged use of victims for ritual purposes.
The Command also said it had received information concerning six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the suspected network.
Efforts, it said, were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Oyo State Command for the breakthrough and directed the sustained investigation and dismantling of the entire network.
Disu also directed the police to intensify efforts to locate additional missing children and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
The Force Public Relations Officer 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 prosecuted in accordance with the law.
