Troops from the 65 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, operating under the 81 Division, successfully apprehended a human trafficker in Lagos. Acting on actionable intelligence, the troops arrested Mrs. Olushola Areke, suspected of involvement in human trafficking.
The suspect was accused of kidnapping Miss Fayoke Kunle, a 22-year-old woman, under the pretext of securing employment for her in Oshodi, Lagos. Instead, she transported Miss Kunle to Kano, where plans were made to traffic her to Libya. Miss Kunle managed to escape and returned home on April 23, 2024.
Responding swiftly to the report, “troops apprehended Mrs. Areke at the designated meeting point where she intended to pick up her other supposed victims. Both the suspect and the victim have been handed over to the Ajah Police Command in Lagos for further investigation.”
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In a statement, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni said: “The suspect was accused of kidnapping Miss Fayoke Kunle, a 22-year-old daughter of Mrs Ainor Kunle. Mrs Kunle claimed she had voluntarily entrusted her daughter to the suspect, who had promised to secure employment for the young girl in Oshodi, Lagos.
“However, instead of heading to Oshodi as promised, the suspect moved Miss Kunle to Kano, where the victim later discovered herself and overheard discussions about being transported to Libya. Miss Kunle courageously escaped from her captor and returned home on 23 April 2024.
“In response to this alarming report, troops reached out to Mrs Areke and was subsequently arrested at the designated meeting point, where she intended to pick up her supposed other victims.
“Both the suspect and the victim have been handed over to the Ajah Police Command in Lagos for further investigation.
“The Division wishes to urge members of the public to continue to support the NA in providing timely information to aid in maintaining law and order. The NA remains committed to promoting peace and stability across the Division Area of Responsibility.”
Ayeni, stressed “the importance of the public’s support in providing timely information to aid in maintaining law and order. The Nigerian Army remains committed to promoting peace and stability across its area of responsibility.”
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian Army to combat human trafficking and ensure the safety and security of citizens. It serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public in tackling such criminal activities.