The Nigeria Police Force has rescued two Colombian women who were allegedly brought to Nigeria under false pretences and held against their will by suspected Chinese nationals.
The police spokesperson Ani Iniedu disclosed this on Saturday, describing the operation as an important development in the fight against international organised crime.
The rescue was carried out by officers from the National Central Bureau of INTERPOL in Lagos after the Nigerian police received information from INTERPOL’s Bogotá office on August 26.
Iniedu said the two women were identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa.
“The victims were fraudulently lured to Nigeria, held against their will, and had their travel documents confiscated by certain Chinese nationals who are currently at large,” the statement reads.
“Upon receipt of the intelligence, police operatives promptly launched a covert tracking operation, locating the hideout in Lagos where both victims were safely rescued on the same day.
“The fleeing suspects abandoned the location upon sighting the approaching team, and efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest all members of the syndicate.”
He said the two women are currently under police protection and receiving the necessary assistance.
“The Colombian Embassy in Accra is working in close collaboration with the Bureau to secure hotel accommodations for the victims and arrange emergency travel documents to ensure their safe return to Bogotá,” the statement reads.
THE Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu said the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting people living in the country.
He also said the force would continue working with law enforcement agencies in other countries to tackle crimes that operate across national borders.
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