Ondo State Police Command has arrested 10 foreign nationals linked to an alleged human trafficking ring uncovered in Akure, the state capital.

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, disclosed the development on Sunday, during a press briefing at the command headquarters.

He revealed that the suspects, most of whom are nationals of the Republic of Benin, gained entry into Nigeria illegally and were arrested following intelligence reports about suspicious movements in their residence along Oda Road.

According to Lawal, the operation also led to the rescue of a 29-year-old Congolese national, identified as Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse. The victim was allegedly lured into Nigeria under the false pretext of being trained in online business but was later abandoned by the group.

“On July 31, 2025, at about 2:30 p.m., operatives of the Command arrested ten foreign nationals in Akure,” the commissioner said.

“Our findings showed that they crossed into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin without valid documents. Some had expired passports, while others had no identification papers at all.

“Further investigation revealed that they conspired to bring one Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse, a 29-year-old Congolese, into the country on false promises of business training. Instead, he was left stranded upon arrival.”

The commissioner listed the suspects as: Atouh Joel, 37, Mohamed Atta Amidou, 35, Saibou Akateliwe, 33, Abdul Jahao, 26, Ndah Severin, 27, Kumpori Ruth, 19, Kumpori Martin, 31, Tatiana Madous Dianne, 32, Martias Sossa, 22, Ndapola Oba Giove, 30

Lawal described the case as a serious violation of Nigeria’s immigration and anti-trafficking laws.

He added that the case had been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, for further investigation and prosecution.

“The rescued victim is safe and currently receiving the necessary care from the relevant authorities,” Lawal assured.