INTERPOL, in collaboration with 12 Nigerian security agencies, recently conducted a coordinated operation that resulted in the arrest of 36 suspects linked to fraud and human trafficking, along with the recovery of $3 million worth of exhibits. The five-day operation followed two months of planning and included intensified border checks and raids at criminal hotspots.
Most suspects, primarily under the age of 35, were involved in cyber-enabled crimes such as romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and celebrity impersonation schemes. Notably, three individuals were arrested for sextortion crimes. The operation also exposed human trafficking cases, rescuing 12 victims subjected to sexual exploitation and forced labor.
Seized items included 19kg of cocaine valued at $2.8 million, 51kg of cannabis, five cars, two weapons, and 215 rounds of ammunition. A female recruiter, who posed as a victim to evade detection, was also apprehended. INTERPOL’s acting Executive Director of Police Services, Cyril Gout, emphasized the importance of continued international collaboration to combat organized crime in West Africa.
