Nigerian Army Arrests Popular Human Trafficker In Lagos, Rescues 22-Year-Old Victim
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of Mrs. Olushola Areke, an alleged notorious human trafficker, in Lagos State. The arrest was made by troops of the 65 Battalion Nigerian Army operating under the 81 Division Nigerian Army, based on actionable intelligence. Mrs. Areke was apprehended in connection with human trafficking.
The suspect was accused of kidnapping Miss Fayoke Kunle, a 22-year-old daughter of Mrs. Ainor Kunle. Mrs. Kunle entrusted her daughter to Mrs. Areke, who promised to secure employment for the young girl in Oshodi, Lagos. However, instead of taking her to Oshodi as promised, Mrs. Areke moved Miss Kunle to Kano, where she overheard discussions about being transported to Libya. Miss Kunle managed to escape from her captor and returned home on April 23, 2024.
Responding to the report, troops reached out to Mrs. Areke and subsequently arrested her at the designated meeting point, where she intended to pick up her supposed other victims. Both the suspect and the victim were handed over to the Ajah Police Command in Lagos for further investigation.
The Division emphasized the importance of the public’s support in providing timely information to aid in maintaining law and order. The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to promoting peace and stability across its Area of Responsibility.
The arrest of Mrs. Olushola Areke in Lagos State by the Nigerian Army has highlighted the persistent issue of human trafficking in the region. Mrs. Areke was apprehended following actionable intelligence received by the troops of the 65 Battalion Nigerian Army operating under the 81 Division Nigerian Army.
The arrest was prompted by Mrs. Areke’s alleged involvement in the kidnapping of Miss Fayoke Kunle, a 22-year-old who was entrusted to her care by her mother, Mrs. Ainor Kunle. Mrs. Areke had promised to secure employment for Miss Kunle in Oshodi, Lagos. However, instead of fulfilling her promise, Mrs. Areke took Miss Kunle to Kano, where she was allegedly being prepared for trafficking to Libya.
Miss Kunle’s courageous escape from her captor led to the apprehension of Mrs. Areke. Troops reached out to Mrs. Areke and arrested her at a designated meeting point where she intended to pick up other victims. Both Mrs. Areke and Miss Kunle were subsequently handed over to the Ajah Police Command in Lagos for further investigation.
The Nigerian Army emphasized the importance of public cooperation in providing timely information to combat criminal activities such as human trafficking. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in its Area of Responsibility.
The arrest of Mrs. Areke serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in Nigeria. It underscores the need for collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the public to eradicate this heinous crime and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Sahara Reporters
