Police bust child trafficking syndicate in Oyo, rescue 17 children

The Nigeria Police Force uncovered an alleged child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun, and Delta states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects. The investigation was initiated following the disappearance of a three-year-old child during a festival in Oyo on June 29, 2026. Suspect Adejoke Popoola confessed to involvement in the stealing and selling of children, leading to further arrests and revealing an interstate criminal network.