Investigators from the National Division for Combating Migrant Smuggling and Related Practices (DNLT) in Tambacounda have dismantled a human trafficking ring for sexual exploitation. The operation led to the arrest of Kate Vitus, a Nigerian national residing in Bakel, suspected of exploiting several young girls in prostitution.

On February 7, 2026, the DNLT (National Directorate for the Fight Against Terrorism) office in Tambacounda received information from the Kédougou office. The latter reported the arrival at a house in the Lawol Tamba neighborhood of Kédougou of a young Nigerian woman who had been transferred from Bakel. According to the information provided, a woman named "Keith" had brought this girl from Nigeria and was demanding repayment of two million CFA francs, allegedly from her earnings from prostitution.

The victim's crucial testimony

When questioned by investigators, Ms. Gloria Sabo confirmed this information. She also stated that she was ready to lead officers from the Surveillance, Interrogation and Tracking Bureau (BSIF) of the DNLT branch in Tambacounda to the home of the woman known as "Keith," even though she did not have any further details about her identity.

Investigators then organized a trip to Bakel to identify and apprehend the suspect. After locating her home and confirming her presence there, they intervened. The woman wanted under the name "Keith" was formally identified as Kate Vitus, born in 1996 in Imo State, Nigeria. She presented herself as a trader and resided in Bakel. When confronted by investigators, she immediately admitted knowing Gloria Sabo.

The search of his home led to the seizure of several pieces of evidence. Investigators discovered a Tecno Pop 9 mobile phone, a health record issued by the 10th arrondissement health center in Thiès confirming his registration in the health database, as well as a Nigerian consular card and voter registration card issued in his name, according to Seneweb sources.

Another consular card bearing the name Timothy Angela was also found. In one of the rooms of the house, police seized a quantity of condoms as well as a pouch containing a sum of money, likely proceeds from his illegal activities.

In her official statement, Gloria Sabo maintained her claims. She explained that she had managed to enter Senegal thanks to Kate Vitus, who had covered all her travel expenses. In return, she had to repay two million CFA francs from the earnings of the prostitution services that Vitus had offered her. She specified that she had been staying with Kate Vitus while waiting to fully repay this debt and become independent.

The partial confessions of the accused

When questioned, Kate Vitus readily admitted to the facts, while contesting certain details. She acknowledged having "bought" Gloria Sabo from a fellow countryman living in Dakar for 275,000 CFA francs. She explained that she wanted to use the money to support herself and her daughter. However, she disputed the amount of the required repayment, claiming they had agreed on one million CFA francs, not the two million advanced by the victim. Regarding the sums already paid, she stated that she had received only 237,000 CFA francs, contradicting Gloria Sabo, who claimed to have already repaid 1,300,000 CFA francs. When questioned about her activities, she admitted to being a prostitute herself and claimed that Gloria Sabo was the only girl she employed.

Technical analysis of her mobile phone revealed a reality far removed from her statements. Investigators discovered several Wave transactions made with various young girls, including Gloria Sabo, suggesting the existence of other victims she was exploiting. Even more disturbing, a video exchanged with someone registered under the pseudonym "Chila money" was found. It shows a young girl, apparently a minor, being held by individuals who are forcing her to participate in a photo and video session.

Requests have been sent to telephone operators and the company Wave to determine the exact extent of its network. Kate Vitus was taken into custody before being brought before the High Court of Tambacounda. She faces charges of human trafficking for sexual exploitation and pimping.