Edith CHUKU
Two foreign nationals lured to Nigeria and held captive by suspected human trafficking syndicate, have been rescued by the Nigeria Police Force NPF.
The foreigners identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were rescued by NPF operatives attached to the National Central Bureau (NCB-INTERPOL), Lagos Annex.
This was revealed in a statement on Saturday, by the force headquarters Abuja, Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu.
Iniedu described their rescue as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against transnational organized crime.
According to the force, “the successful operation followed actionable intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá, on August 26, 2026, regarding two female citizens of Colombia, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa.
“The victims were fraudulently lured to Nigeria, held against their will, and had their travel documents confiscated by certain Chinese nationals who are currently at large.
“Upon receipt of the intelligence, police operatives promptly launched a covert tracking operation, locating the hideout in Lagos where both victims were safely rescued on the same day. The fleeing suspects abandoned the location upon sighting the approaching team, and efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest all members of the syndicate.”
It noted that, “the rescued victims are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support.
“The Colombian Embassy in Accra is working in close collaboration with the Bureau to secure hotel accommodations for the victims and arrange emergency travel documents to ensure their safe return to Bogotá.”
Further, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents within the country, while deepening collaboration with international law enforcement partners to combat cross-border crimes.
