The Nigeria Police Force has rescued two Colombian women who were allegedly trafficked into Nigeria and held captive in Lagos by members of a suspected human trafficking syndicate.
The victims, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were located and rescued by operatives attached to the National Central Bureau of INTERPOL, Lagos Annex, following intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB in Bogotá.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday, saying the intelligence was received on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Police operatives reportedly began working on the information immediately and mounted a covert operation to establish the location where the women were being held.
According to the police, the two Colombian nationals were allegedly deceived into travelling to Nigeria before being detained against their will. Their travel documents were also reportedly taken from them, leaving them unable to leave the country or freely return home.
The police attributed the alleged captivity to some Chinese nationals, who reportedly fled the location before officers arrived. Authorities said the suspects remain at large and that efforts have been intensified to identify and apprehend them.
Following the receipt of the intelligence, police operatives launched a discreet tracking operation across Lagos. The operation led investigators to a location believed to have been used as the syndicate’s hideout, where the two women were found and rescued on the same day.
The Force said the suspects abandoned the location after noticing the approaching police team. Although the fleeing individuals escaped before they could be arrested, investigators have continued efforts to track them down and establish the full structure of the alleged trafficking network.
The rescue has brought the two women into the protection of Nigerian authorities. Police said the victims are currently in safe custody and are receiving the necessary support following their ordeal.
Authorities are also working with Colombian diplomatic representatives to arrange the women’s return home. The Colombian Embassy in Accra is collaborating with the National Central Bureau on accommodation and emergency travel documentation required for the victims to return safely to Bogotá.
The involvement of INTERPOL-NCB Bogotá in providing the initial intelligence highlights the international nature of the operation and the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in tackling trafficking and other crimes that cross national borders.
The Nigerian Police Force said the case would continue to be investigated as efforts are made to locate the suspects who escaped from the Lagos hideout. Investigators are also expected to work toward dismantling the wider network allegedly responsible for bringing the women into Nigeria and holding them captive.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting people living in the country while strengthening cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.
The Force said its collaboration with foreign law enforcement partners would remain an important part of efforts to confront transnational criminal networks and respond to cases involving victims brought into Nigeria from other countries.
For the rescued Colombian nationals, arrangements are now being made for their safe return to Colombia. Police said the cooperation between the National Central Bureau and the Colombian Embassy would facilitate the process, including securing temporary accommodation and emergency travel documents.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the alleged trafficking operation remains active, with police officers continuing efforts to locate the suspects who fled the scene and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The Nigeria Police Force urged continued cooperation with international law enforcement partners as it works to prevent Nigeria from being used as a destination or transit point for trafficking operations and other forms of cross-border criminal activity.
Police Rescue Two Colombian Women Allegedly Held Captive by Trafficking Syndicate in Lagos
