Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the National Central Bureau of INTERPOL, Lagos Annex, have rescued two Colombian nationals allegedly lured to Nigeria and held captive by a human trafficking syndicate. Police Rescue Two Colombian Women Held Captive in Lagos.
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The victims, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were rescued following actionable intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement released on Saturday. According to the statement, the two women were “fraudulently lured to Nigeria, held against their will, and had their travel documents confiscated” by some Chinese nationals, who are currently at large.
The police launched a covert tracking operation immediately after receiving the intelligence. The operatives located the hideout in Lagos and rescued the victims “on the same day.”
“Upon receipt of the intelligence, police operatives promptly launched a covert tracking operation, locating the hideout in Lagos where both victims were safely rescued on the same day.” — CSP Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer
According to the police, the suspects fled the location when they noticed the approaching operatives. Efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest all members of the syndicate.
“The fleeing suspects abandoned the location upon sighting the approaching team, and efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest all members of the syndicate.” — Nigeria Police Force Statement
Victims Receiving Support
The police said the rescued Colombian nationals are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support.
“The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support.” — Nigeria Police Force Statement
The statement further disclosed that the Colombian Embassy in Accra is collaborating with the National Central Bureau to facilitate the victims’ return to their country.
“The Colombian Embassy in Accra is working in close collaboration with the Bureau to secure hotel accommodations for the victims and arrange emergency travel documents to ensure their safe return to Bogotá.” — Nigeria Police Force Statement
IGP Vows to Combat Transnational Crimes
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the police to protecting residents and strengthening international cooperation against transnational crimes.
The statement said Disu “reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents within the country, while deepening collaboration with international law enforcement partners to combat cross-border crimes.”
The police said efforts had been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects and dismantle the trafficking network.
Key Highlights at a Glance
Detail
Information
Victims
Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa (Colombian nationals)
Date of Rescue
August 26, 2026
Location
Lagos, Nigeria
Suspects
Chinese nationals (currently at large)
Crime
Human trafficking, unlawful confinement, confiscation of travel documents
This rescue operation highlights several important issues:
1. International Criminal Networks Operating in Nigeria
The involvement of Chinese nationals in trafficking Colombian women demonstrates the global reach of human trafficking syndicates. Nigeria is not just a source or transit country but also a destination for trafficking victims.
The successful rescue was made possible through intelligence sharing between INTERPOL-NCB Bogotá and INTERPOL-NCB Lagos Annex. This underscores the importance of international law enforcement cooperation in combating cross-border crimes.
3. Nigerian Police Capacity
The covert tracking operation and same-day rescue demonstrate improved operational capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force. The IGP’s commitment to protecting all residents—including foreign nationals—signals a professional approach to law enforcement.
The victims were lured to Nigeria under false pretenses, highlighting how traffickers exploit economic vulnerabilities and promises of better opportunities. Their travel documents were confiscated—a common tactic used to control victims.
5. Need for Stronger Border Controls
The ability of traffickers to move victims across international borders underscores the need for enhanced border security and screening mechanisms.
