Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, have arrested a 28-year-old housewife on allegations of human trafficking.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Saturday, the command’s spokesman, Mr. Samuel Opebiyi, disclosed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect’s accomplice — her husband — who is currently at large.

Opebiyi said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect and her husband allegedly trafficked a 17-year-old girl to Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) for the purpose of prostitution.

According to the NSCDC spokesman, the suspect was arrested on January 22, following a report lodged two days earlier with the Command’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit by the victim’s sister.

Opebiyi further explained that initial inquiries indicated the offence occurred on November 25, 2025, when the suspect and her husband purportedly organised the movement of the minor abroad for exploitation.

He said the victim was lured with false promises before being trafficked, adding that the girl was introduced to the alleged traffickers through an apprentice, Rodiat, who works at the suspect’s retail shop dealing in shoes, bags and other accessories in Ifeleye, Ogunpa Market, Ibadan.

“The victim reportedly approached Rodiat expressing her desire to secure a job opportunity, after which she was introduced to the suspects,” Opebiyi stated.

In the statement, the Oyo State NSCDC Commandant, Mr. Augustine Padonu, called on the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity relating to human trafficking to the NSCDC or other relevant agencies for prompt action.

Padonu reiterated the corps’ commitment to combating human trafficking and related offences and pledged that all those involved would be brought to justice.

He added that the suspect will be charged to court while the search continues for her fleeing husband.