The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged interstate child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects in connection with the investigation.

The breakthrough was recorded by the Oyo State Police Command following an intelligence-led investigation into the disappearance of a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, detectives investigating the case arrested one Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4.

Police said Popoola allegedly confessed to participating in the stealing, transportation and sale of children allegedly taken from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.

Her disclosures reportedly led investigators to another suspect, Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, who was arrested in Mowe, Ogun State.

Four children and two pregnant young women were subsequently rescued from Janet’s custody, according to the police.

Further leads generated during the investigation enabled detectives to locate Ifakunle, who was rescued in the Gbagi area of Ibadan on August 20.

The investigation, however, revealed that the alleged criminal operation extended beyond Oyo and Ogun states.

Police detectives subsequently travelled to Agbor, Delta State, on September 2, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from individuals suspected of having illegally acquired them.

Two suspects, identified as Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse, were arrested during the operation.

The police said the arrests and recoveries provided further evidence of the alleged interstate structure of the trafficking network.

Investigators also uncovered allegations that some victims who died were transferred to individuals suspected of involvement in ritual activities.

In connection with this aspect of the investigation, police arrested Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, who are being questioned over the alleged use of victims for ritual purposes.

The command further said it had received information about six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the suspected syndicate.

Police said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and determine the identities and whereabouts of other possible victims.

Commending the Oyo State Command for the breakthrough, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, directed investigators to intensify efforts to dismantle the entire network, rescue more missing children and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.