Police Rescue 2 Colombian Women Held Captive By Traffickers In Lagos

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the National Central Bureau of INTERPOL, Lagos Annex, have rescued two Colombian nationals allegedly lured to Nigeria and held captive by a human trafficking syndicate.

The victims, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were rescued following actionable intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

According to the statement, the two women were fraudulently lured to Nigeria, held against their will and had their travel documents confiscated by some Chinese nationals, who are currently at large.

The police said operatives immediately launched a covert tracking operation after receiving the intelligence, leading to the location of the hideout in Lagos and the rescue of the victims on the same day.

The suspects fled the location after sighting the approaching police team.

The police said efforts had been intensified to track and arrest all members of the syndicate.

The rescued women are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support, while the Colombian Embassy in Accra is working with the National Central Bureau to facilitate their return to Bogotá.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property and strengthening international cooperation in the fight against transnational crimes.