Police in Ondo State have dismantled a sex trafficking syndicate and rescued 15 young women who were lured with fake job offers and held for exploitation.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Ondo State Police Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit raided an apartment in the Alagbaka area of Akure, where the victims — aged between 20 and 26 — were being held. The operation led to the arrest of Jayeola Joshua, the suspected ringleader, along with two accomplices, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang Premium Times Arise News Vanguard.
According to Police Public Relations Officer Olushola Ayanlade, the syndicate operated under the guise of job recruitment and social media content creation, targeting vulnerable young women from across Nigeria. Victims were promised employment as domestic workers, ushers, or overseas placements, only to be coerced into sex work upon arrival in Akure.
“This operation reflects our commitment to protecting young women from exploitation and dismantling criminal networks,” Ayanlade said.
The girls were found in cramped living conditions and have since been taken into protective custody, where they are receiving medical care and psychological support. Authorities are working with social services and NGOs to ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration.
The bust has sparked renewed calls for vigilance against online job scams, which have become a common tactic for traffickers. Police urged the public to verify employment offers and report suspicious activities promptly.
This incident highlights the growing sophistication of trafficking networks and the need for community awareness, digital literacy, and stronger inter-agency collaboration to combat human exploitation.
