Oyo Police Rescue 17 Children as Six Others Are Confirmed Dead in Suspected Trafficking Network

The Oyo State Police Command has uncovered a suspected interstate child-stealing and human-trafficking network, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects during an intelligence-led investigation.

Police also revealed that six other children allegedly died while in the custody of members of the suspected network.

The development was announced by Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, during a briefing at the command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.

According to the police, the investigation began after authorities received information concerning the disappearance of a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.

The investigation eventually led detectives beyond Oyo State and uncovered what police described as a wider network involved in the alleged stealing, movement and sale of children.

Police said the investigation led to the arrest of Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4.

According to the command, information obtained during the investigation led detectives to other suspected members of the network.

Four children were subsequently rescued in Mowe, Ogun State, while further investigations led police to the location of Ifakunle, who was rescued in the Gbagi area of Ibadan on August 20.

The investigation later extended to Delta State.

On September 2, detectives travelled to Agbor, where four children allegedly taken from Oyo State were rescued from people suspected of having illegally acquired them.

Two additional suspects, identified by police as Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse, were arrested.

Police said the operation demonstrated that the suspected network extended across state boundaries.

Six Children Reportedly Died

The most disturbing revelation came when police disclosed that six children allegedly died while in the custody of members of the suspected network.

The command said investigators were still working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.

Police also said the investigation had uncovered allegations involving the transfer of deceased victims to people suspected of involvement in ritual activities.

Two additional suspects were arrested in connection with those allegations and are being investigated.

The police have not said that all details surrounding the reported deaths have been conclusively established.

Instead, authorities say the investigation is continuing as detectives work to determine what happened to the children and identify everyone who may have been involved.

Police Appeal to Families of Missing Children

The Oyo State Police Command has appealed to parents and guardians who have lost children in recent months to visit the command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.

The purpose is to allow families to determine whether any of the rescued children are among those previously reported missing.

Police said the rescued children are being processed as investigators work toward reuniting them with their families.

The command has also urged members of the public to report missing children immediately rather than waiting several days before contacting authorities.

How the Investigation Uncovered the Network

According to the police account, the investigation initially focused on the disappearance of one child.

That investigation eventually produced information that allegedly connected several individuals and locations across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states.

Police said some of the children were allegedly moved between states before being sold or concealed.

The investigation also reportedly uncovered information about pregnant women who were allegedly kept in custody until they gave birth.

Authorities are now working to determine the full extent of the suspected operation and whether other children remain missing.

Police Commissioner Urges Vigilance

Commissioner Abimbola Olugbenga urged parents and guardians to be particularly cautious when leaving their children with people they do not know well.

He also warned families to exercise caution when dealing with individuals who claim to offer traditional or spiritual healing services, particularly when those individuals attempt to separate children from their parents or take them to undisclosed locations.

The commissioner encouraged anyone with information about missing children or the suspected trafficking network to contact the police.

He said information provided by members of the public would be treated professionally and, where necessary, confidentially.

A Wider Child-Safety Concern

The case has raised fresh concerns about child trafficking and the vulnerability of children at public gatherings, religious events and family celebrations.

For parents, the case is a reminder of how quickly a missing-child situation can become a major emergency.

The police investigation also highlights the importance of reporting missing children quickly and preserving photographs, videos and other information that could help investigators trace them.

The authorities say the investigation is not over.

Police are continuing efforts to identify other members of the suspected network, locate any additional missing children and establish the circumstances surrounding the six reported deaths.

The ultimate responsibility of investigators will be to determine what happened, gather admissible evidence and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the law.

For the 17 rescued children, the immediate priority is their safety and reunification with their families.

For the families still searching for missing children, the police investigation could provide answers that have been desperately needed.

Key Facts

17 children rescued

Six children reportedly died while allegedly in the custody of the suspected network

Seven suspects arrested

Investigation led by the Oyo State Police Command

Suspected network operated across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states

Investigation began after the disappearance of a three-year-old boy in Oyo Town

The boy was later rescued in Ibadan

Four children were rescued in Mowe, Ogun State

Four additional children were rescued in Agbor, Delta State

Police are continuing investigations into the reported deaths and the wider network

Sources

Nigeria Police Force

Oyo State Police Command

TheCable

Punch

Vanguard

PRNigeria