The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an interstate child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects.
The breakthrough followed an intelligence-led investigation launched after the disappearance of three-year-old Ifakunle Ifagbenro during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, detectives arrested Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4 following extensive investigations into the child’s disappearance.
Popoola allegedly confessed to participating in the stealing, movement and sale of children from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.
Her disclosures reportedly led investigators to 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 during the operation.
Further information obtained from the investigation subsequently led detectives to the Gbagi area of Ibadan, where Ifakunle was rescued on August 20.
Police trace network to Delta
The investigation later revealed that the syndicate had extended its operations beyond Oyo and Ogun states.
Acting on fresh intelligence, police detectives on September 2 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.
Two suspects, Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse, were arrested in connection with the operation.
The arrests, according to the police, further established the interstate nature of the alleged criminal network.
Police investigate alleged ritual links
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 in connection with the allegations, with investigations ongoing to establish their roles in the alleged use of victims for ritual purposes.
The Oyo State Command also said it had received information concerning six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the network.
“Efforts are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths,” the police said.
IGP orders wider crackdown
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Oyo State Command for the breakthrough and directed the investigators to sustain efforts to dismantle the entire network.
Disu also ordered the police to intensify efforts to locate additional missing children and ensure that all persons found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that perpetrators of child-related crimes are brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the Force said.
The police urged members of the public with information on missing children or suspected child-trafficking activities to assist investigators with relevant information.
The statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on September 7, 2026.
