The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says its operatives have rescued two Colombian women who were allegedly lured to Nigeria and held against their will by certain Chinese nationals.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, disclosed this on Saturday, saying the operation was carried out by officers attached to the National Central Bureau (NCB-INTERPOL), Lagos Annex.
According to Iniedu, the operation followed intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB Bogotá on August 26 concerning two Colombian citizens identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa.
The women were allegedly brought to Nigeria through fraudulent means, held captive and had their travel documents confiscated by Chinese nationals who are currently at large.
Police said operatives launched a covert tracking operation after receiving the intelligence and located the hideout in Lagos, where both women were rescued the same day.
The suspects allegedly fled the location after noticing the approaching police team.
The police said efforts have been intensified to identify and arrest all members of the alleged syndicate.
The rescued women are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support, while the Colombian Embassy in Accra is working with the police to arrange accommodation and emergency travel documents for their return to Bogotá.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property, adding that the Force would continue strengthening cooperation with international law enforcement agencies to tackle cross-border crimes.
Source: Nigeria Police Force.
