Police Bust Child Trafficking Syndicate in Oyo, Rescue 17 Children

The Oyo State Police Command has uncovered a suspected child-stealing and human-trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, disclosed the development during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.

He said the investigation began with a petition dated July 29, 2026, but later exposed a wider criminal network allegedly involved in the stealing, movement, sale and concealment of children.

The investigation intensified following the disappearance of three-year-old Ifakunle Ifagbenro during an annual masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29. Detectives traced the child’s disappearance to individuals allegedly connected with the syndicate.

One of the suspects, Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, was arrested on August 4. Police said her arrest provided information that helped investigators uncover the wider operation.

According to the command, Popoola allegedly admitted involvement in the stealing and movement of more than 15 children, aged between two and seven years, from churches, parties and other public events within and outside Oyo State.

Further investigations led police to Ogun State, where another suspect, Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, was arrested in Mowe. Four children aged between two and four years were rescued from the location, while two pregnant young women were also found there.

The investigation subsequently extended to Delta State. Police detectives travelled to Agbor on September 2, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.

The command also disclosed that six children abducted by the suspected syndicate had died while in captivity. Investigators are examining allegations that the remains of some victims were sold for ritual purposes.

Seven suspects have so far been arrested as investigations continue into the network and its activities across the affected states.

Police appealed to parents and guardians whose children have recently gone missing to visit the command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, to assist with identification and family reunification.

The command also urged Nigerians to report missing children immediately, warning that delays could reduce the chances of locating and safely recovering them.