Oyo Police Rescue 5 Congolese Nationals In Suspected Human Trafficking Operation

By Victoria Isaac 

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued five Congolese nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking during an intelligence-led operation at Bollarz Hotel in the Araromi area of Ibadan.

The rescue followed credible intelligence received by the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, who directed operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to take immediate action. The operation subsequently led to the recovery of the five foreign nationals from the hotel.

The rescued individuals were identified as Bonsaly Mpika Donel, 24; Charles Siloe, 23; Eliane Ruth Makengo, 26; Makota Janie Darcel, 23; and Simba Babeki Elie, 33. They comprise three men and two women, all nationals of the Republic of Congo.

During preliminary questioning, the victims reportedly disclosed that a man identified as Smith, a national of the Republic of Benin, had lured them into Nigeria with promises of better economic opportunities.

However, the suspect was absent when police operatives carried out the operation at the hotel. The Command said efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend him.

Following their rescue, the five nationals received medical attention and underwent medical examinations to assess their condition. The Commissioner of Police subsequently directed that they be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Oyo State Command, for further action in accordance with established procedures.

The development was disclosed in a press release dated October 14, 2026, and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Oyo State Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons from exploitation. It also called on members of the public to provide credible and actionable information that could assist investigators in identifying and apprehending individuals connected with the suspected trafficking operation.