In a major breakthrough against human trafficking, the Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Raymond Sunday Wonna, suspected of engaging in transnational trafficking activities.
The operation also led to the successful rescue of two teenage girls, Miracle Ogar, 18, and Angela Kingsley, 16, both residents of Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State.
The Enugu State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, revealed that the suspect was apprehended on 30th July 2025, around 2:00 p.m., during a routine patrol conducted by the Command’s elite Crack Tactical Squad along the heavily trafficked Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.
The arrest underscores the commitment of the Enugu State Police to dismantle criminal networks and protect vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
Preliminary investigations into the case uncovered disturbing details about the trafficking operation. According to SP Ndukwe, the victims were being deceived into traveling to Ghana under the pretext of obtaining legitimate employment.
“The suspect, without the knowledge or consent of the victims’ parents or guardians, lured them from Ogoja in Cross River State, claiming he could secure them jobs at a restaurant reportedly owned by his mistress in Ghana,” Ndukwe explained.
Further findings revealed that the suspect had sinister intentions beyond trafficking. While lodging the girls in a hotel prior to their intended travel, he allegedly attempted to sexually assault them. The police were able to intervene in time, preventing any harm and ensuring the victims’ safety.
Following their rescue, both Miracle Ogar and Angela Kingsley were safely returned to their families, bringing relief to the community. SP Ndukwe confirmed that the police are continuing their investigations to identify and apprehend other members of the trafficking network, emphasizing that human trafficking often involves multiple actors operating across borders.
The Commissioner of Police for Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the tactical squad and other operatives for their vigilance and prompt intervention.
He directed that a meticulous and comprehensive investigation be carried out, with a timely conclusion to facilitate prosecution of all responsible parties. CP Giwa also encouraged police personnel to sustain their efforts in combating human trafficking, highlighting the importance of proactive policing and intelligence-led operations.
CP Giwa called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Citizens are urged to contact the nearest police station or reach out directly via the Command’s Control Room on 08032003702 or 08086671202, or the Enugu State Command-and-Control Centre through the emergency line 112. He stressed that community cooperation is crucial in identifying traffickers and protecting vulnerable individuals.
This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of human trafficking in Nigeria and the region, and underscores the critical role of law enforcement, community awareness, and rapid response in safeguarding young people from exploitation.