A Nigerian woman and her accomplice have been arrested for trafficking young girls, including her daughter, to Mauritania for N50,000 each. Investigations revealed that the syndicate used false pretenses and collaborated with accomplices in Mauritania. Both suspects have confessed to the crimes, with potential legal consequences pending ongoing investigations.
Recent investigations by operatives of the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force culminated in the arrest of a woman and her accomplice, who are accused of trafficking young girls, including the woman’s own daughter, to Mauritania. The operation took place in the Meiran area of Lagos State on March 22, as confirmed by Zonal Public Relations Officer, Umma Ayuba. They purportedly engaged in this illicit activity for financial gain, receiving N50,000 for each victim trafficked.
Reports indicate that the trafficking syndicate collaborated with accomplices in Mauritania, luring victims under deceptive circumstances. Following their apprehension, both suspects confessed their involvement in the crime, providing details about their operations. The first suspect indicated that her recruitment efforts were initiated by a woman in Mauritania, who has been previously prosecuted for similar offenses and is currently incarcerated.
The first suspect disclosed that among the victims trafficked was her 19-year-old daughter, stating, “She said the woman in Mauritania contracted her to recruit young girls below the age of 22 to be used as sex workers there.” She further explained that she received over N500,000 for her recruitment efforts, with each girl providing her a commission of N50,000.
In a related revelation, the second suspect noted that she had initially been tasked by the first suspect to recruit girls meant for domestic work. However, she became suspicious when a girl she sent was rejected by the first suspect, leading her to suspect they were meant for sex work. The second suspect stated that upon further inquiry, she understood the grim fate awaiting the victims, compelling her to withdraw from the operation.
Ayuba concluded by stating that the suspects would face legal charges as investigations continue, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime and the impact on young girls targeted for trafficking.
In summary, the arrest of a woman and her accomplice in Lagos for trafficking young girls to Mauritania under false pretenses highlights the ongoing issues surrounding human trafficking in Nigeria. The suspects’ confessions reveal the traumatic exploitation of victims, including family members. As investigations proceed, the legal system is poised to address these crimes, underscoring the need for stricter measures against human trafficking.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
