A joint operation by police personnel in Nigeria and Benin Republic has led to the rescue of 157 children.

The International Criminal Police Organisation, simply known as INTERPOL, disclosed this in a statement.

The 157 minors, according to the organisation, were among 220 victims of human trafficking rescued by the police in the operation coordinated by INTERPOL.

Some victims were equally rescued from premises where they were forced into prostitution, while 47 suspects were arrested as investigations continue.

The police also seized vehicles, cash, mobile phones and computers in the course of the operation.

The minors were aged between 11 and 16, with the youngest rescued at the land border between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

In his reaction, INTERPOL Secretary General, JÜRGEN STOCK, described human trafficking as a transnational crime from which the vulnerable, especially children, simply cannot walk away.