Police Apprehend Trafficking Syndicate Exploiting Girls to Mauritania

The Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos has arrested a syndicate trafficking girls to Mauritania for sex. The operation led to the capture of two suspects who confessed to their crimes, with one revealing that her own daughter was among the victims. Investigations continue, and they will face charges soon.

Members of a trafficking syndicate have been apprehended by operatives at the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos, for allegedly transporting girls from Nigeria to Mauritania for prostitution and sexual exploitation. This operation took place in the Meiran area on March 22, as confirmed by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, CSP Umma Ayuba, in a statement issued on Tuesday.

CSP Ayuba noted that the Zonal Intelligence Response Squad (ZIRS), directed by SP Francis Kpoughul, conducted a raid on the syndicate’s base, where two individuals were taken into custody. The suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the trafficking activities, revealing the method of recruitment and compensation for sending young girls abroad.

One of the suspects indicated that she was introduced to the Mauritanian coordinator by another individual currently imprisoned for related crimes. This suspect admitted to being tasked with recruiting girls under 22 for sexual exploitation in exchange for a commission of ₦50,000 per girl. Disturbingly, she confessed that her 19-year-old daughter was among those she recruited.

The second suspect acknowledged her role in the scheme, initially being hired by the first suspect to recruit girls as domestic staff. Upon investigation, she realized that the girls were intended for sex work and chose to withdraw from the operation. She reported that the single girl she referred to the first suspect was rejected due to age and physique, prompting her alarm.

The investigation into the trafficking syndicate is ongoing, and authorities have stated that the suspects will face charges once the inquiry is complete.

The arrest of the trafficking syndicate highlights the serious issue of human trafficking for sexual exploitation in Nigeria. Both suspects confessed to their roles in recruiting young girls for illicit purposes, raising concerns over the vulnerability of women and children to such crimes. Ongoing investigations aim to further address this issue and hold the perpetrators accountable as they prepare for court proceedings.

Original Source: newsdiaryonline.com