The Enugu State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its fight against human trafficking, following the rescue of a young Nigerian woman who was trafficked to Mali under false pretences and allegedly forced into prostitution.
The victim, a 25-year-old woman whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, was rescued after months of exploitation abroad.
Her ordeal came to light after her parents raised an alarm with the police, prompting swift action by operatives attached to the Igbo-Eze North Police Division.
Acting on the complaint, police investigations led to the arrest of a 69-year-old suspect, identified as Eze Boniface.
Authorities believe he played a central role in facilitating the cross-border movement of the victim and linking her to a wider human trafficking network operating across West Africa.
Preliminary findings by investigators revealed that the trafficking operation began in May 2023, when the suspect and his alleged accomplices approached the victim and her family with promises of an overseas job opportunity.
They reportedly claimed that the woman had been selected to work for a textile company outside Nigeria, offering an attractive daily wage of 100 dollars.
The promise of a stable and well-paid job abroad reportedly convinced the victim’s parents to give their consent.
According to police sources, the syndicate took advantage of the family’s economic situation and limited access to verified information about overseas employment opportunities.
Contrary to the assurances given, the woman was allegedly transported to Mali, where she discovered that no legitimate job awaited her.
Instead, she was reportedly coerced into prostitution, with members of the criminal syndicate controlling her movement and earnings.
Investigations indicate that the group generated about 500,000 CFA francs from her exploitation before she was eventually rescued.
Police sources described the operation as part of a broader human trafficking scheme that targets young women with deceptive offers of employment, education, or marriage abroad.
Such schemes often rely on trust, familiarity, or community connections to lure unsuspecting victims.
Following the arrest of the suspect, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, ordered an immediate expansion of the investigation.
He directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to dismantle the entire trafficking ring and ensure that all those connected to the crime are brought to justice.
The police commissioner emphasized that the fight against human trafficking remains a top priority for the command, noting that transnational crimes pose a serious threat to public safety, human dignity, and national security.
He stressed the need for sustained intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration to combat criminal networks operating beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Giwa also issued a strong warning to parents, guardians, and young people, urging them to be cautious of enticing offers of overseas jobs that cannot be independently verified.
According to him, traffickers often exploit desperation and unemployment to manipulate victims into dangerous situations.
He advised families to consult relevant government agencies and embassies before allowing relatives to travel abroad for work, adding that many victims of human trafficking suffer long-term psychological, physical, and emotional trauma.
Confirming the development, the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Daniel Ndukwe, said the command remains committed to protecting residents and preventing criminal exploitation.
He explained that the successful rescue was a result of timely information and cooperation between the police and the victim’s family.
Ndukwe encouraged members of the public to report suspicious recruitment offers, travel arrangements, or movements involving young persons, noting that community vigilance plays a crucial role in disrupting trafficking operations.
He further assured that the rescued victim is receiving appropriate support while investigations continue, adding that the police will work with relevant authorities to ensure her safety and rehabilitation.
The latest incident underscores the growing challenge of human trafficking in Nigeria, particularly in communities where economic hardship makes young people vulnerable to deception.
Security experts have repeatedly called for stronger awareness campaigns, improved border surveillance, and tougher prosecution of offenders to curb the menace.
As investigations deepen, the Enugu State Police Command has reiterated its resolve to expose and dismantle trafficking syndicates, while urging citizens to remain alert and proactive in the fight against transnational crime.
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