THE Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the Ondo State Police Command has dismantled a notorious sex-trafficking syndicate that preyed on young women under the guise of job recruitment, ushering roles, and social media content creation.
The operation, carried out following credible intelligence, led to the rescue of 15 victims aged between 20 and 26 at a house in Alagbaka, Akure, which served as the criminal gang’s operational base.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the principal suspect, Jayeola Joshua, and two accomplices were arrested during the sting operation.
Police investigations revealed that the victims were recruited from across Nigeria with promises of decent jobs and even overseas employment.
However, upon arriving in Akure: “They were manipulated into sending nude images and videos which were then distributed to clients paying for sexual services.”
The traffickers profited heavily, while the operation was disguised as a social media “relationship-content creation” scheme to evade suspicion.
Police said the rented Alagbaka apartment was specifically procured to run the illegal operation.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, has ordered the landlords of the premises to be interrogated as investigations broaden.
The Police say additional members of the sex-trafficking ring are on the run, and a manhunt is underway to track them down.
The Police Command warned residents to be wary of suspicious job offers, especially online and social-media advertisements.
“We urge parents and guardians to verify employment offers and remain vigilant to protect their children”.
He praised the role of intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration in the successful operation and urged residents to continue providing actionable information to combat crime in the state.
