Police Rescue Two Colombian Women Allegedly Trafficked, Held Captive in Lagos

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the National Central Bureau of INTERPOL, Lagos Annex, have rescued two Colombian women 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 on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, following intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá.

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

According to the police, the two women were allegedly deceived into travelling to Nigeria before being held against their will and having their travel documents confiscated.

The police said some Chinese nationals suspected to be behind the operation fled the scene when operatives arrived and are currently being sought.

“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 statement said.

The suspects, according to the police, abandoned the location after noticing the approaching operatives.

“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,” the statement added.

The rescued women have since been placed in safe custody, where they are receiving necessary support from the authorities.

Colombian Embassy Arranges Victims’ Return

The police disclosed that the Colombian Embassy in Accra was working with the National Central Bureau of INTERPOL to facilitate the victims’ return to Colombia.

“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,” the statement said.

The development highlights continued cooperation between Nigerian and international law enforcement agencies in tackling human trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime.

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property while strengthening international partnerships to combat cross-border criminal activities.

According to the statement, Disu “reaffirms the unwavering 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.”

The police said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the trafficking network allegedly responsible for the victims’ ordeal.