The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oyo State Command, has arrested four suspected human traffickers and rescued nine people who were being used as prostitutes in the state.
The command also reported recovering fifty-five 30-litre kegs of petrol smuggled along Gwagwasu Moore Road in Kishi, in the state’s north.
Augustine Padonu, NSCDC Commandant in the state, made these remarks while parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Ibadan on Friday.
Padonu stated that the command’s Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit apprehended the suspects and rescued the victims on Tuesday at a hotel in Ibadan’s Apata area for alleged prostitute trafficking.
He stated that the rescued victims were seven female adults and two female minors. The commandant stated that three of the accused specialised in importing young girls from communities for prostitution.
He claimed that the fourth suspect was the hotel’s male manager, who coordinated with the three female suspects to employ trafficking minor girls as sex workers there.
“The Oyo State Command of the NSCDC has made a big breakthrough in its fight against human trafficking and petroleum product smuggling. “This shows our unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, especially children, from exploitation and abuse as well as safeguarding the nation’s economy from illegal activities,” he told reporters.
Speaking about the seized smuggled petrol, Padonu stated that the command’s monitoring team received credible intelligence about smuggling of petrol on July 30 near Kishi town and moved quickly.
He claimed that during the mission, the command found 55 30-liter fuel hidden in the bush.
According to Padonu, the discovery brought to light the continuous difficulties caused by the smuggling of petroleum products across the border, which jeopardises public safety and undermines the economy.
According to him, the suspects who were involved in the smuggling of petrol ran when they saw NSCDC agents and are currently at large. “We are working harder to find and capture the suspects.”
“We urge the public to cooperate by submitting any information about petroleum product smuggling to the NSCDC.
“The NSCDC remains committed to protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from exploitation and abuse.
“We are resolute in our fight against smuggling of petroleum products across the border and will continue to take decisive actions to protect our commonwealth,” Padonu reported.
Speaking with reporters, one of the teenage human trafficking victims said that she was pregnant and used to earn N10,000 per day, of which she was given only N2,000 by one of the suspects who transported her from the village.
Bottom Line
The discovery and seizure of smuggled petrol also point to the challenges of border security and the economic implications of illegal activities.
The smuggling of petroleum products not only affects the economy but also poses significant risks to public safety.
The escape of the petrol smugglers indicates the need for increased vigilance and more robust mechanisms to apprehend those involved in such illegal activities.
