In a major breakthrough against human trafficking, the Oyo State Police Command has dismantled a criminal syndicate operating in Ibadan, rescuing 84 victims, including a child, from captivity.

The victims, believed to be citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo, were freed during a coordinated raid on a residential property in the Orogun area of the city, where they had been reportedly confined for an unspecified period.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the victims were lured to Nigeria with false promises of lucrative job opportunities. The syndicate allegedly extorted substantial sums of money, reportedly in U.S. dollars, from the victims\' families as part of their illicit operations.

Following the rescue, the victims have been temporarily housed at the Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, as authorities intensify investigations to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.

The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.