The Nigeria Police Force has arrested four people suspected of operating an organ harvesting and human trafficking network in Nasarawa State, including two nephrologists allegedly linked to Wellington Hospital in Life Camp, Abuja.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) following an intelligence-led operation conducted on August 19, 2026, the police said.

Those arrested were Emmanuel Ode, 23, from Auta Balifi, Nasarawa State; Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48, a nephrologist and consultant to Wellington Hospital; Dr Daniel Otukpa, 53, also a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at the hospital; and David Idoko, 25.

According to the police, Ode admitted during interrogation that he recruited victims by making false promises. Investigators alleged that on April 24, 2026, he took a 22-year-old man, identified as Samuel Ezekiel, to Wellington Hospital, where the victim's kidney was allegedly removed in exchange for $1,250, which the police valued at about N1.7 million.

The police also said another alleged victim reported that Ode recruited him in 2022 and took him to a hospital where his kidney was allegedly removed. He reportedly received N7 million.

Investigators said the syndicate allegedly targeted young people considered vulnerable because of poverty and limited education, particularly in Nasarawa State and surrounding areas.

The police further alleged that members of the group falsified documents used in the process, including victims' names, National Identification Numbers (NIN), birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters.

Police spokesperson Ani Iniedu said investigations were continuing and efforts were underway to arrest other suspects believed to be connected to the network.

“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its unwavering commitment to dismantling human trafficking and organ harvesting networks across the country and protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation,” Iniedu said.

Wellington Hospital could not immediately be reached for comment on the allegations involving its staff.

Calls placed to the hospital's publicly listed telephone number went unanswered.

The police said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional arrests could follow.