Michael Odetunde
The Nigeria Police Force, through the Oyo State Command, has uncovered a child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday, September 7, 2026.
According to the statement, the investigation began following credible intelligence on the disappearance of a three-year-old child, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, who went missing during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.
After weeks of investigation, detectives identified and arrested Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4.
The police said Popoola confessed to involvement in the alleged stealing, movement and sale of children from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.
Her disclosures reportedly led detectives to Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, who was arrested in Mowe, Ogun State. Four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from her custody.
Further investigation provided leads to the whereabouts of Ifakunle, who was rescued from the Gbagi area of Ibadan on August 20.
The investigation subsequently revealed that the alleged criminal network extended beyond Oyo and Ogun states.
Acting on further intelligence, police detectives on September 2 extended the operation to Agbor, Delta State, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from persons suspected of having illegally acquired them.
Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse were arrested in connection with the operation, further confirming the interstate nature of the alleged syndicate.
The police also said the investigation uncovered allegations that some deceased victims were transferred to persons involved in ritual activities.
This led to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, who are currently being investigated over their alleged involvement in the use of victims for ritual purposes.
The Command also said it received information about six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the network, adding that efforts 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 that efforts be sustained to dismantle the entire network, locate additional missing children and ensure that all persons found culpable are brought to justice.
The IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that perpetrators of child-related crimes face the full weight of the law
