The Delta State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against human trafficking with the arrest of a suspected human trafficker and the successful rescue of a 25-year-old woman who was allegedly trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire under false pretences.
The Command disclosed that the suspect, identified as Ese Betty Isiorho, 26, was apprehended by operatives of the Effurun Area Command following a petition alleging that she deceived the victim with the promise of learning a hairdressing trade in Côte d’Ivoire.
According to the Police, investigations revealed that upon arrival in the foreign country, the victim was allegedly forced into prostitution instead of the vocational training she had been promised.
The Police further disclosed that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to trafficking the rescued victim and another young woman, both in their twenties, to Côte d’Ivoire, where they were allegedly handed over to a woman identified simply as Madam Purity for the purpose of prostitution.
Following sustained intelligence gathering and collaborative efforts, the 25-year-old victim was successfully rescued and returned to Nigeria.
She has since been reunited with her family and is currently receiving medical care.
The Command added that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe return of the second victim, who is believed to still be in Côte d’Ivoire, while investigations have been intensified to apprehend other members of the trafficking syndicate.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, praised their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling human trafficking networks and other forms of organised crime across the state.
The Police Commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious recruitment offers, deceptive travel arrangements and any activities linked to human trafficking, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against the criminal enterprise.
The statement was contained in a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
