Leadnaija
Two suspects have been arrested in Kubwa, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, for their involvement in human trafficking, following a successful police operation that led to the rescue of three young women.
According to reports obtained by LeadNaija through security analyst Zagazola Makama, the suspects, identified as Thankgod Ike (28) and Dennis Ike (26), were apprehended on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m. by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Kubwa Division.
The two men, residents of Gbazango, near the Assembly of God Church, were caught while attempting to traffic three women — Helen Simon (25), Blessing Iliya (25), and Anabel Iliya (22) — under the guise of securing employment opportunities abroad.
Plan to Smuggle Victims to Senegal Foiled
Investigations revealed that the women were to be transported from Abuja to Lagos, then through Guinea, with the final destination being Senegal. The operation was halted just as the suspects were about to begin the illegal transit.
Police sources said the women were lured with false promises of lucrative jobs, a common tactic used by human trafficking rings operating across West Africa.
The victims are now in protective custody, receiving care and support, while authorities work to identify and contact their families.
Suspects Linked to Prior Human Trafficking Cases
Preliminary investigations also uncovered that the suspects had been involved in similar trafficking activities. In 2024, they were allegedly behind the trafficking of a woman known as “Baby” (25) to Senegal.
Moreover, police believe the duo may be linked to the trafficking of Alisa Conte, a Sierra Leonean national, whose case is currently being investigated in collaboration with INTERPOL.
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and more arrests may follow as the network behind the trafficking ring is unraveled.
