Nigerian Woman Arrested for Trafficking Own Daughter and Others to Mauritania

A Nigerian woman and her accomplice were arrested for trafficking young girls to Mauritania, including her daughter, for commercial sex work. They were apprehended through an investigation revealing their collaboration with accomplices in Mauritania. The suspects admitted to the crime and will face charges following the investigation’s conclusion.

Operatives from the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force apprehended a woman and her accomplice for allegedly trafficking young girls, including the woman’s own daughter, to Mauritania for commercial sex work. This incident, reported on March 22, involved the suspects being located at a hideout in the Meiran area of Lagos State. Investigations revealed a syndicate that collaborated with accomplices in Mauritania to lure victims under false pretenses.

The Zonal Public Relations Officer, Umma Ayuba, confirmed the arrest and provided details about the suspects’ operational methods. During interrogation, they reportedly confessed to the crime. The first suspect stated that she received N50,000 for each person trafficked, including her 19-year-old daughter, which indicates a deeply troubling family involvement in the illegal operation.

Ayuba detailed that the first suspect was introduced to a woman in Mauritania by another individual, who is currently serving a jail term for similar offenses. The woman was allegedly contracted to recruit young girls under 22 for sex work, thus exploiting the vulnerable. The first suspect claimed to have earned over N500,000 through this illicit arrangement.

The second suspect, initially contracted to recruit girls as domestic staff, became suspicious when the first girl’s assignment was rejected by the first suspect. This prompted her investigation into the true nature of the trafficked individuals, leading her to the grim realization that they were intended for the sex trade. Upon this discovery, she withdrew from the trafficking scheme.

Ayuba concluded that once the ongoing investigation is complete, the suspects will be charged in court for their involvement in this serious crime against vulnerable individuals.

The case highlights a troubling incident of human trafficking involving family members and emphasizes the need for vigilant law enforcement. The collaboration of local and international actors in such crimes poses significant challenges, and this arrest is a step toward addressing these issues. The suspects are expected to face legal consequences following the completion of the ongoing investigation.

Original Source: saharareporters.com