The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old suspected human trafficker, Ese Betty Isiorho, following the rescue of a 25-year-old woman who was allegedly deceived into travelling to Côte d’Ivoire under the pretext of learning a hairdressing trade. Police said investigations revealed that the victim was instead forced into prostitution after arriving in the West African country.

According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, the arrest followed a petition submitted to the police. Operatives attached to the Effurun Area Command launched an investigation, leading to the suspect’s arrest. During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to trafficking the rescued victim and another young woman in her twenties to Côte d’Ivoire, where both were reportedly handed over to a woman identified only as Madam Purity for sexual exploitation.

Police said sustained collaboration and intelligence efforts led to the successful rescue and return of the 25-year-old victim to Nigeria. She has since been reunited with her family and is receiving medical care. Authorities added that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the second victim, who is believed to remain in Côte d’Ivoire, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend other members of the trafficking network.

Commending the officers involved in the operation, Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to combat human trafficking and other forms of organised crime. He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious recruitment offers or activities linked to human trafficking, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in dismantling criminal syndicates.