Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued seven victims of suspected human trafficking and arrested four suspects during a coordinated operation in Akwa Ibom State.
Police authorities disclosed that the victims, believed to have been recruited under false pretences, were rescued from a location where they were allegedly being prepared for trafficking to other parts of the country and possibly abroad.
According to the police, the operation was carried out following credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected human trafficking syndicate operating within the state.
During the raid, officers apprehended four suspects believed to be members of the trafficking network while successfully rescuing the victims, who were said to be in distressing conditions.
A police source said preliminary investigations indicated that the victims were lured with promises of employment opportunities and better living conditions but were later subjected to exploitation and confinement.
The rescued individuals have since been placed under protective care while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families.
Meanwhile, the suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators with further information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the trafficking ring.
The police command in the state reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking and other forms of organised crime, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Authorities also warned individuals involved in human trafficking to desist from the illegal act, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
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