The Nigeria Police Force has rescued two Colombian nationals allegedly trafficked to Nigeria and held captive by a human trafficking syndicate in Lagos.
The victims, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were rescued on August 26, 2026, by operatives of the National Central Bureau (NCB-INTERPOL), Lagos Annex.
The operation followed actionable intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá, concerning the two women, who were reportedly lured to Nigeria under false pretences and subsequently held against their will.
According to the police, some Chinese nationals allegedly involved in the operation confiscated the victims’ travel documents before fleeing the hideout upon sighting the approaching police team.
The operatives subsequently secured the victims and dismantled the criminal hideout, while efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The police said the rescued women are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support.
The Colombian Embassy in Accra is also collaborating with the NCB-INTERPOL to secure hotel accommodation for the victims and facilitate the issuance of emergency travel documents to enable their safe return to Bogotá, Colombia.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property and strengthening cooperation with international law enforcement agencies to combat transnational crimes.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in Abuja.