Troops arrest woman ‘trafficking 22-year-old lady to Libya’ in Lagos

The Nigerian Army says its troops in Lagos have arrested a suspected human trafficker identified as Olushola Areke. 

Olabisi Ayeni, the spokesperson of the 81 division of the army, announced Areke’s arrest in a statement on Monday.

Ayeni said troops of the 65 battalion operating under the 81 division arrested the suspect following actionable intelligence.

Ayeni said the suspect was accused of kidnapping Fayoke Kunle, a 22-year-old daughter of one Ainor Kunle.

“Mrs Kunle claimed she had voluntarily entrusted her daughter to the suspect, who had promised to secure employment for the young girl in Oshodi, Lagos,” the statement reads.

“However, instead of heading to Oshodi as promised, the suspect moved Miss Kunle to Kano, where the victim later discovered herself and overheard discussions about being transported to Libya.

“Miss Kunle courageously escaped from her captor and returned home on April 23, 2024.”

Ayeni said in response to the report, the troops reached out to Areke, offering to entrust more people to her for job opportunities.

“The suspect eagerly accepted the offer and was subsequently arrested at the designated meeting point, where she intended to pick up her supposed other victims,” Ayeni said.

“Both the suspect and the victim have been handed over to the Ajah Police Command in Lagos for further investigation.”

Ayeni urged members of the public to continue to support the army in providing timely information to aid in maintaining law and order.