Lagos Police have foiled a human trafficking plot, arresting a woman who allegedly lured three Kaduna girls to Ivory Coast for prostitution under the guise of restaurant jobs in Lagos
In Lagos, Nigeria, on Thursday 18 June 2026, the Lagos State Police Command foiled an attempt to traffic three young women from Kaduna State to Ivory Coast for prostitution.
Also read: Edo Reopens Schools After Foiled Abduction Plot Alert
A female suspect was arrested after luring the victims, aged between 18 and 20, from Kaduna to Lagos with promises of legitimate employment in a restaurant.
Upon their arrival in the Ajegunle area on 23 May, the suspect allegedly revealed her true intention of sending them abroad for sex work.
One of the victims, who refused to proceed with the plan, promptly reported the matter to the police. The case was immediately transferred from Tolu Division to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba for thorough investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, directed the Anti-Human Trafficking/Gender Unit at SCID, under Deputy Commissioner Dayo Akinbisehin, to handle the matter.
A police source confirmed that the victims were never informed of the trafficking plan before leaving Kaduna.
“She immediately told the suspect that prostitution was not what they had been told they were coming to Lagos for,” the source said.
The suspect was apprehended while attempting to move the girls from a motor park.
Efforts are ongoing to rescue the other victims reportedly held by an accomplice and to trace additional persons linked to the operation.
Investigations have been concluded, and the suspect will soon be charged to court.
This latest case highlights the continued vigilance of security agencies against human trafficking networks operating across state lines and international borders.
Also read: Edo Reopens Schools After Foiled Abduction Plot Alert
Authorities have urged young women to be cautious when offered distant job opportunities and to verify details thoroughly before travelling.
