On July 15th, 2024, the Delta State Police Command conducted a successful operation in Ughelli, resulting in the rescue of trafficking victims and the arrest of multiple suspects involved in human trafficking and child prostitution.

The operation was launched following credible intelligence received by the command concerning the activities of an individual identified only as Chinyere, who allegedly trafficked women from Eastern Nigeria to Ughelli under false promises of employment as salesgirls in local restaurants. Instead, upon arrival, victims were coerced into prostitution.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, known for his stringent stance against human trafficking, directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpan, CSP Aliyu Shaba, to lead the operation. Acting swiftly on gathered intelligence, law enforcement officers located one victim whose identity has been withheld. The victim revealed the deceitful tactics employed by Chinyere, stating that she and two other young girls were lured from Abia State with promises of a monthly salary but were instead forced into prostitution upon arrival in Ughelli. Their refusal led to immediate expulsion from the premises.

Following the victim’s testimony, a joint team of surveillance operatives raided the ‘Big Dafe Hotel’ along Ughelli/Patani Road. During the raid, 36-year-old Chioma Edafe, hailing from Umuogbezea Community in Imo State and managing the hotel, was apprehended along with 35 others, including 23 teenagers believed to be victims of exploitation.

Efforts to apprehend Chinyere, the alleged mastermind behind the trafficking operation, are currently underway.