Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have apprehended a suspected human trafficker in Adamawa State, exposing a syndicate that lures young girls from the state to Ghana for sexual exploitation.
Modus Operandi of the Trafficking Ring
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Yusuf, was arrested following a tip-off from parents whose daughters were about to be moved out of the state. According to a statement released by the police command in Yola on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Yusuf confessed to being a key transporter in the criminal network for several years.
He revealed that his role involved moving victims from Yola to Lagos, where he would hand them over to another agent. This agent was responsible for the final leg of the journey, taking the girls to Ghana. Yusuf told investigators that he collaborated with two women, named Happy and Elizabeth, who were responsible for supplying the girls. “Happy once introduced me to the woman who normally collects the girls in Lagos and takes them to Ghana, but I don’t have direct contact with her,” he stated during interrogation.
Financial Gain and Remorse
The suspect disclosed that his criminal activity was financially motivated, admitting he received N50,000 for each girl he successfully transported. The victims in this network were reportedly aged between 14 and 30 years old.
Yusuf also claimed to have temporarily stopped his illicit trade after losing his job and vehicles but returned to it “out of frustration.” During questioning, he expressed deep remorse, stating that he is a married man with three children and would never want his own daughter to fall victim to prostitution.
Police Confirmation and Public Warning
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa, Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, said the victims were intercepted on their way to Lagos. He noted that the rescued victims, aged between 14 and 21, were minors being trafficked from Adamawa to Ghana.
Nguroje revealed that the suspect had provided substantial information about the trafficking network, though he admitted he could no longer recall the exact number of girls he had transported over the years. The police spokesperson called on parents and community members to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activities, emphasising that timely information is vital for effective law enforcement action against human trafficking.
