The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged organ-harvesting and human-trafficking network operating in Nasarawa State, with four suspects arrested over their alleged roles in recruiting vulnerable young people for kidney removal.

Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) made the arrests on August 19 during a sting operation in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence on the activities of the syndicate.

Those arrested include 23-year-old Emmanuel Ode, 48-year-old Dr Benjamin Oyime, a nephrologist and consultant to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; 53-year-old Dr Daniel Otukpa, also a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at the hospital; and 25-year-old David Idoko.

According to the police, Ode allegedly acted as a recruiter, luring victims with false promises before taking them to hospitals where their kidneys were allegedly harvested.

During interrogation, Ode reportedly confessed that he recruited 22-year-old Samuel Ezekiel, who was allegedly taken to Wellington Hospital on April 24, 2026, where his kidney was harvested for $1,250, equivalent to about ₦1.7 million.

Police said another victim claimed he was similarly recruited in 2022 and had his kidney harvested after being taken to a hospital, for which he was allegedly paid ₦7 million.

Investigators further alleged that the syndicate deliberately targeted vulnerable and poorly educated young people in Nasarawa and neighbouring areas, exploiting their financial difficulties to obtain what was presented as consent for the procedures.

The police also accused members of the network of falsifying documents, including National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters, to facilitate the alleged operations.

Clothes reportedly purchased with proceeds from the alleged criminal activities were recovered as exhibits.

The Force said investigations are continuing, with efforts underway to arrest other suspects believed to be connected to the syndicate.

The police assured that it would continue its crackdown on human trafficking and illegal organ harvesting networks while protecting vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation.