Police in Oyo State have arrested 10 people suspected of trafficking human body parts, following a months-long intelligence operation in the Iseyin and Saki areas of the state.

Officers from the command’s Monitoring Unit carried out coordinated raids on the suspects’ hideouts after weeks of surveillance, police said in a statement on Saturday.

Those arrested were named as Adam Ibrahim, 42; Nasiru Kabiru, 22; Tijani Wasiu, 54; Abiola Nasiru, 45; Amusa Gbadamosi, 57; Raheem Taofeek, 46; Jimoh Muritala, 35; Suleiman Busari, 47; Ganiyu Nurudeen, 36; and Usman Abdullahi, 52.

What was found

Searches of the suspects’ properties turned up what police described as a suspected human heart, human flesh, fragments of a human skull, and various charms, according to police spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.

The items have been handed over for forensic testing as the investigation continues, police said.

Suspects “confessed,” police say

Police said the suspects admitted during questioning to involvement in the trade of human parts for ritual purposes, though the claims have not been independently verified.

Investigators are now working to trace where the body parts came from and how they were obtained, police added. The search for other suspected members of the network is ongoing.

Police response

Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, praised the officers involved, calling the operation a product of sustained intelligence work.

He said the command remains committed to clearing the state of criminal networks and protecting human life, and appealed to residents to report suspicious activity.

Members of the public can reach the Oyo State Call Response Centre on the toll-free line 615, or the Police Command Control Room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.