Nigerian Police Break Up Lagos Human Trafficking Ring and Rescue Two Colombians

Nigerian police rescued two Colombian women from a suspected human trafficking operation in Lagos after receiving intelligence from INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Bogotá on Aug. 26, 2026.

Police identified the women as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa. A statement from Force Public Relations Officer Ani Iniedu said they had been fraudulently lured to Nigeria, held against their will and deprived of their travel documents. The statement attributed their captivity to Chinese nationals who remain at large.

Officers began a covert tracking operation after receiving the intelligence and located the hideout in Lagos the same day. Police said the suspects fled when they saw the approaching team. Authorities said they had intensified efforts to identify and arrest all members of the syndicate.

The women are in police custody and receiving support, according to the statement. The Colombian Embassy in Accra is working with the Nigerian bureau to arrange hotel accommodation and emergency travel documents so they can return safely to Bogotá.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu said the Nigerian Police Force would continue protecting residents and strengthening cooperation with international law-enforcement partners against cross-border crime.

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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.