Oyo Police R€scue Five Congolese Nationals From Hum∆n Traff!cking Ring In Ibadan, Hunt Benin Republic Suspect
Oyo Police Rescue Five Congolese Nationals From Human Trafficking Ring In Ibadan, Hunt Benin Republic Suspect
The suspect was reportedly absent from the hotel when police operatives conducted the rescue operation.
The Oyo State Police Command has rescued five Congolese nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking during an intelligence-led operation at Bollarz Hotel in the Araromi area of Ibadan.
The police said the operation followed credible intelligence, prompting the Commissioner of Police in the state to direct operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to take immediate action.
The rescued persons were identified as Bonsaly Mpika Donel, 24; Charles Siloe, 23; Eliane Ruth Makengo, 26; Makota Janie Darcel, 23; and Simba Babeki Elie, 33. All five are nationals of the Republic of Congo.
According to the police, preliminary questioning revealed that a man identified as Smith, a national of the Republic of Benin, allegedly lured the victims into Nigeria with promises of better economic opportunities.
However, the suspect was reportedly absent from the hotel when police operatives conducted the rescue operation.
The command said efforts were ongoing to locate and arrest him in connection with the suspected human trafficking operation.
Following their rescue, the five Congolese nationals received medical attention and underwent medical examinations.
The Commissioner of Police subsequently directed that they be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Oyo State Command, for further action in line with established procedures.
In a statement dated October 14, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the command remained committed to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons.
The police also urged members of the public to provide credible and actionable information that could assist investigators in identifying and apprehending individuals connected with the suspected trafficking operation.
Residents can contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre through its toll-free line, 615, or reach the police command’s control room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.
