How Police Rescued 2 Colombian Women Trafficked to Nigeria

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the National Central Bureau (NCB-INTERPOL), Lagos Annex, have rescued two Colombian women allegedly trafficked to Nigeria and held captive by a human trafficking syndicate.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, disclosed this on Saturday, saying the operation followed actionable intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá, on August 26, 2026.

The victims, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were reportedly lured to Nigeria under false pretences before being held against their will.

According to Iniedu, the victims’ travel documents were also confiscated by suspected members of the syndicate, said to be Chinese nationals.

“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,” he said.

The suspects reportedly fled the location after sighting the approaching police team, abandoning the victims at the hideout.

Advertisement

The police said efforts had been intensified to identify, 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 collaborating with the NCB-INTERPOL to arrange hotel accommodation and emergency travel documents for their return to Bogotá.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property while strengthening international cooperation against transnational organised crime.