The Lagos State Police Command has made a successful arrest of a suspected leader of a child trafficking and labor group.
The arrest comes after three months of gathering intelligence. The police consider this arrest to be a major step in fighting against the illegal activities of this group.
The syndicate is known for bringing children from the northern part of Nigeria to Lagos State for child labor and other unlawful purposes.
SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, has confirmed the arrest and rescue of underage children.
“In the process, three underaged children, two females and one male, whose names could not be ascertained, between ages 7 and 12, of no fixed address, were rescued from her.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had illegally brought 42 children to Lagos State for child labour without the consent of their parents.
“It was also revealed that the suspect had been declared wanted by the Kwara State Police Command in connection with many underaged children that have disappeared, which have been linked to her syndicate,” he said.
Efforts are currently underway to rescue the remaining eight children, with collaboration between the Lagos and Kwara State Police Commands.
The authorities have also reached out to the current caretakers of the recovered children and are working together to ensure the safety and well-being of these rescued minors.
