The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 11 suspects and rescued several victims, including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals, following separate operations targeting human trafficking and illegal adoption networks.

In a statement issued on Monday, Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi said the operations were conducted by the Zone-13 Police Command and the Ondo State Police Command in different parts of the country. He said the coordinated actions were aimed at disrupting human trafficking, illegal adoption rings, and cross-border smuggling activities.

In the Southeast, Zone-13 officers carried out a targeted sting operation that uncovered a child trafficking syndicate operating as a baby factory. According to Adejobi, eight suspects were arrested from different locations, including Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56). During questioning, the suspects reportedly admitted to being involved in child theft, unlicensed medical practices, and illegal adoption services operating across Enugu and Anambra States.

“Their criminal activities were strategically spread across Enugu and Anambra States, targeting vulnerable women and children for exploitation and sale,” the police spokesperson stated.

Victims rescued during the operation include a seven-month-old baby, a four-year-old child, and two pregnant women from Ebonyi State. The women, according to the police, had been held in a remote village and were allegedly being forced to carry pregnancies to term for the purpose of selling the newborns.

“The victims rescued during the operation include a seven-month-old infant, a four-year-old child, and two heavily pregnant women,” Adejobi said. “They are now in safe custody and receiving the necessary care.”

In a separate case, the Ondo State Police Command rescued a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, following a petition from the Interpol Liaison Office in Abuja. The police said the operation led to the arrest of three suspects — Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix — alleged to be members of an international trafficking network.

According to the police, the suspects are accused of deceiving victims in Ghana by promising them jobs and travel documents to countries such as Canada. Upon investigation, officers also found 39 additional Ghanaian nationals being held by the suspects, many of whom lacked valid travel documents or were in possession of expired passports.

“During the operation, an additional thirty-nine Ghanaian nationals were discovered to have fallen victim to the same group,” Adejobi noted. “Many of them lacked valid travel documentation, while those in possession of passports presented expired papers.”

He said the victims were found in distressing conditions and are currently receiving medical treatment.

The police said investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to dismantle the wider network of traffickers connected to these cases.