Oyo Police rescue five Congolese allegedly lured into Nigeria by trafficking suspect

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued five Congolese nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking after they had been allegedly lured into Nigeria with guarantees of higher financial alternatives.

The victims had been rescued at Bollarz Hotel within the Araromi space of Ibadan throughout an intelligence-led operation, in line with a press release issued by the police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on October 14, 2026.

The five had been recognized as Bonsaly Mpika Donel, 24; Charles Siloe, 23; Eliane Ruth Makengo, 26; Makota Janie Darcel, 23; and Simba Babeki Elie, 33.

During preliminary questioning, they reportedly informed investigators {that a} man recognized as Smith, a nationwide of the Republic of Benin, had introduced them into Nigeria with guarantees of higher financial alternatives.

“The victims disclosed that a man identified as Smith, a national of the Republic of Benin, had lured them into Nigeria on the promise of greener pasture and better economic opportunities,” the report acknowledged.

However, the suspect was not discovered on the resort in the course of the operation.

The police stated efforts had been ongoing to find and apprehend him.

The command stated the rescued nationals had obtained medical consideration and could be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service in Oyo State.

It urged members of the general public to offer info that might assist investigators monitor down these linked with the suspected trafficking operation.