The Oyo State Police Command has rescued 17 children and arrested seven suspects linked to an alleged interstate child-stealing and human-trafficking network operating across parts of Nigeria. Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga announced the development on Monday during a press briefing at the state police headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, saying an investigation led to the arrests and rescues, according to the Daily Post.

Police in Oyo State have rescued 17 children from a suspected child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate, according to Tribune Online, but six children allegedly abducted by the group died while in captivity. Officers arrested one suspect in connection with the operation. The report did not provide further details on the circumstances of the children's deaths, the location of the rescue, or the identities of the victims and the suspect. Authorities are expected to continue investigating the syndicate's activities.

The Ondo State Security Network, known as Amotekun, says it has uncovered a self-kidnap plot and arrested four suspects in connection with the scheme. According to the agency's commander, Adeleye, the command also arrested seven other suspects directly involved in kidnapping activities in the Akoko axis of the state. He said the arrests were made with the cooperation of Fulani farmers and herders in the area, describing the operation as part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping in Ondo State.

Justice Ahmed Kala of the Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced 41-year-old Mrs. Peace Asukwo to five years in prison for trafficking and harboring four underage girls for prostitution. In addition to the prison term, Justice Kala ordered Asukwo to pay N20 million in compensation to the victims of her crimes.

A queen from Kwara has shared her harrowing experience regarding the kidnapping of 18 worshippers and the murder of her 14-year-old son by bandits. The kidnappers are reportedly demanding a ransom of N280 million for the release of the worshippers. The queen has made a public plea regarding the situation.

A newborn baby was reportedly stolen in Kaduna South, Kaduna State, Nigeria, by a woman who posed as a relative of the family, according to Legit.ng. Police have launched an investigation to locate the suspect and recover the child safely. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of infants in the area, while authorities say efforts are underway to track down the alleged abductor and reunite the baby with the family.