(DDM) – The Ondo State Police Command has dismantled a nefarious sex‑trafficking syndicate operating in Akure, rescuing fifteen young women who were lured into the scheme under the guise of job offers.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the operation was executed by the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit following weeks of intelligence gathering and monitoring around the state capital.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olusola, the syndicate targeted young women aged between 20 and 26, promising employment in domestic service, ushering and social‑media “content creation,” before shifting them into sexual exploitation.
The victims were housed in an apartment in the Alagbaka area of Akure, which functioned as the operational base for the ring.
The ringleader, identified as Jayeola Joshua of Alagbaka, along with two accomplices, was arrested during the raid.
Investigations by the police revealed that the victims were coerced into producing nude images and videos which were distributed to paying clients under the guise of “relationship content” for social‑media platforms.
The earnings were reportedly divided, with the principal suspect taking the largest share.
“The apartment was deliberately rented to house these young women and facilitate the illicit enterprise,” the P.R.O added, noting that the Command has summoned the landlord for questioning as part of the investigation.
Following the rescue of the victims, they were taken to the Police Hospital in Akure for medical examination, psychological counselling and onward rehabilitation.
The case has been forwarded to the Command’s Gender Desk for further investigation and prosecution.
The Adebowale Lawal‑led Command reaffirmed its zero‑tolerance stance on human trafficking and sexual exploitation, pledging to ensure all suspects involved are brought to justice.
- He also commended the SWAT operatives for their swift action and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious job recruitment offers.
Security analysts tell DDM that this case highlights the growing sophistication of trafficking rings in South‑West Nigeria, which now often exploit social‑media recruitment tactics and job‑offer pretences to lure vulnerable young women.
The operation underscores the need for enhanced surveillance, community awareness and regulatory oversight of recruitment practices.
Civil society organisations in Ondo State have welcomed the bust, noting that while it is a major success, the wider challenge of trafficking and sexual exploitation remains significant.
They are calling for expanded public‑education campaigns and stronger inter‑agency collaboration to prevent such crimes.
The Command is currently tracking down additional suspects connected to the ring, and the matter has been handed to the state’s Directorate of Public Prosecutions for arraignment.
