Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Delta State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its fight against human trafficking with the arrest of a suspected trafficker and the rescue of a 25-year-old victim who was allegedly lured to Ivory Coast under false pretences.
The arrest followed a petition alleging that the suspect, Ese Betty Isiorho, 26, deceived the victim with the promise of learning a hairdressing trade in Côte d’Ivoire. Investigations revealed that upon arrival in the West African nation, the victim was allegedly forced into prostitution.
Swift Operation Leads to Arrest
Acting promptly on the petition, operatives of the Effurun Area Command arrested Isiorho, who confessed during interrogation to trafficking the 25-year-old victim and another young woman in her twenties to Côte d’Ivoire. The victims were allegedly handed over to a woman identified only as “Madam Purity” for the purpose of prostitution.
Following sustained investigative efforts and collaboration with relevant authorities, the 25-year-old victim was successfully rescued and returned to Nigeria. She has since been reunited with her family and is currently receiving medical attention.
Second Victim Still Trapped
Efforts are ongoing to secure the safe return of the second victim, who is also in her twenties and is still believed to be in Côte d’Ivoire. Police say they are working to apprehend other members of the trafficking syndicate still at large.
Police Vow to Sustain Crackdown
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, psc, acipm, mnips, commended the officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking and other forms of organised crime.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious recruitment schemes and trafficking-related activities to the police.
“As investigations continue, we remain resolute in dismantling these criminal networks and bringing perpetrators to justice,” the Commissioner stated.
