Security operatives at the Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos, have apprehended a syndicate involved in trafficking young girls from Nigeria to Mauritania for prostitution and sexual exploitation.

The Zonal Public Relations Office, CSP Umma Ayuba, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the syndicate was busted on March 22 in the Meiran area of Lagos. Officers of the Zonal Intelligence Response Squad, led by SP Francis Kpoughul, raided their hideout and arrested two suspects linked to the crime.

During interrogation, the first suspect admitted to collaborating with a Mauritania-based woman who contracted her to recruit girls under 22 years old for sex work.

She confessed to earning ₦50,000 for each girl trafficked and acknowledged sending her own 19-year-old daughter. In total, she had received over ₦500,000 from her accomplice abroad.

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The second suspect stated that she was initially misled into believing the girls were being recruited as domestic staff in Mauritania. However, after learning about their intended purpose, she attempted to distance herself from the scheme.

She claimed the only girl she had introduced was rejected due to her age and body size, which raised her suspicions.

Law enforcement authorities have intensified investigations into the trafficking network. Efforts are underway to identify more victims and other members of the operation. The police assured that those involved will face justice once investigations are completed.

This arrest highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat human trafficking. Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activities that endanger vulnerable individuals, particularly young girls at risk of exploitation.

NAN