The Delta State Police Command has rescued 35 victims of human trafficking in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
SP Bright Edafe, the command’s spokesperson, revealed to journalists in Warri on Thursday that authorities are actively searching for the main suspect involved in the trafficking ring. The rescued individuals, who were discovered on Monday in a hotel, include 23 teenagers.
The hotel operator has also been arrested in connection with the case. The rescue operation was led by officers from the Ekpan Police Division in Uvwie Local Government Area, under the direction of Divisional Police Officer CSP Aliyu Shaba.
“The team acted on credible information received by the command on the activities of one Chinyere, who specialises in trafficking women from the East to Ughelli in Delta.
“Intelligence further revealed that she convinced the victims they were coming to work as salesgirls in Delta restaurants.
“Consequently, on July 15, one of the victims was located and revealed the illegal activities of the suspected Chinyere, who is currently at large.
“Based on the information, a combined team of surveillance stormed the hotel and arrested a suspect, who runs the hotel, and 35 others, among which are 23 teenagers,” he said.
According to Edafe, a manhunt for the suspected human trafficker is ongoing.
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