The Oyo State Police Command has rescued five Congolese nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking during an intelligence-led operation at Bollarz Hotel in the Araromi area of Ibadan.

The police said the operation followed credible intelligence, prompting the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, in the state to direct operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to take immediate action.

The rescued persons were identified as Bonsaly Mpika Donel, 24; Charles Siloe, 23; Eliane Ruth Makengo, 26; Makota Janie Darcel, 23; and Simba Babeki Elie, 33. They are all nationals of the Republic of Congo.

According to the police, preliminary questioning revealed that a man identified as Smith, a national of the Republic of Benin, allegedly lured the five victims to Nigeria with promises of better economic opportunities.

The command, however, said the suspect was not found at the hotel during the operation, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend him.

The police said the rescued nationals received medical attention and underwent medical examinations following their rescue.

The Commissioner of Police has also directed that the victims be handed over to the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action in line with established procedures.

The command reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons, urging members of the public to provide credible and actionable information that could assist in identifying and apprehending those connected with the suspected operation.