In a recent operation, troops from the 65 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, under the 81 Division, have successfully apprehended a suspected human trafficker in Lagos, rescuing a young victim in the process. The operation was conducted based on actionable intelligence leading to the arrest of Mrs. Olushola Areke.
Mrs. Areke was detained following allegations of kidnapping 22-year-old Miss Fayoke Kunle, under the guise of securing employment for her in Oshodi, Lagos. Contrary to the arrangements made with the victim’s mother, Mrs. Ainor Kunle, Mrs. Areke instead transported Miss Kunle to Kano. It was there that Miss Kunle overheard plans to further move her to Libya. The victim managed to escape her captors and returned home on April 23, 2024.
Upon receiving the distressing report from Miss Kunle, the Nigerian Army coordinated with local authorities and arranged a meeting with Mrs. Areke under the pretense of gathering other potential victims. She was apprehended at the meeting point and both the suspect and the victim were subsequently handed over to the Ajah Police Command in Lagos for further investigation.
Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations for the 81 Division, expressed the Army’s dedication to safeguarding citizens and maintaining peace. He urged the public to continue providing timely information that assists in these efforts.
The Nigerian Army reaffirms its commitment to fighting crime and promoting stability throughout its area of responsibility, emphasizing the importance of community support in these endeavors.