The Ondo State Police Command has successfully dismantled a dangerous sex trafficking syndicate that was operating under the false pretense of providing job opportunities and social media content creation services.
SWAT Operation Leads to Arrests
According to police spokesperson Olushola Ayanlade, who made the announcement in a statement released on Sunday, November 8, 2025, operatives from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit carried out a targeted operation in Akure. The operation resulted in the arrest of Jayeola Joshua from Alagbaka area along with two other suspects.
Police authorities confirmed that 15 young women aged between 20 and 26 were rescued during the operation. The victims had been accommodated in an apartment in the Alagbaka neighborhood of Akure, which served as the criminal group's operational base.
Deceptive Recruitment Tactics Exposed
Investigations revealed that the criminal network targeted vulnerable young women from across Nigeria with false promises of lucrative employment opportunities. The syndicate advertised various job positions including:
- Domestic work opportunities
- Ushering services for events
- Overseas employment placements
- Social media content creation roles
Police described how the criminal elements specifically preyed on young women seeking legitimate economic opportunities, exploiting their vulnerability and aspirations for better livelihoods.
Disturbing Exploitation Methods Uncovered
Further police inquiry uncovered that after luring the victims to Akure, the traffickers manipulated them into sending nude images and videos. These explicit materials were then transmitted to clients who were procuring sexual services.
The principal suspect, Jayeola Joshua, reportedly received the largest share of the illegal proceeds from this operation. To conceal their criminal activities from the public, the syndicate disguised their operation as producing "relationship content" for social media platforms.
Evidence gathered during the investigation indicated that the apartment used for these illicit activities was specifically rented for this purpose. This discovery has prompted the Commissioner of Police to direct that the landlords be invited for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police authorities have emphasized their commitment to apprehending the remaining accomplices and have reassured the public of their unwavering dedication to protecting vulnerable citizens from such predatory criminal networks.
