Two Colombian women who were allegedly lured to Nigeria and held captive have been rescued by the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos.

The women, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were reportedly brought into the country by a human trafficking syndicate and had their travel documents confiscated.

Their rescue followed intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB in Bogotá on August 26, 2026.

Acting swiftly on the information, operatives attached to the National Central Bureau (NCB-INTERPOL), Lagos Annex, launched a covert operation that led them to a suspected criminal hideout in Lagos.

However, the suspects reportedly fled the location after noticing the approaching police team, leaving the two women behind.

The victims were rescued safely and are currently in police custody, where they are receiving necessary support.

The Colombian Embassy in Accra is also working with the police to arrange hotel accommodation and emergency travel documents for the women ahead of their return to Bogotá.

The police said efforts have been intensified to identify and arrest the Chinese nationals allegedly behind the operation, who remain at large.

The development further highlights the growing international dimension of human trafficking and the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies across borders.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu reaffirmed the force’s commitment to protecting residents and strengthening international partnerships to tackle transnational crimes.