The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a human trafficking syndicate operating within the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas, rescuing 30 Malian nationals allegedly held in exploitative conditions in Nasarawa State.
In a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anthony Placid, police operatives revealed that the victims were discovered in residential buildings in Mararaba and Karu, where they were reportedly confined by the trafficking network.
Thirteen suspects were arrested during the operation, including the alleged leader of the syndicate, Abdul Ngaki. Others apprehended are Fatimah Kulibali, Ahmad Kasango, Sidibe Musa, Muhammad Dembele, Saidu Traore, Ali Koulibaly, Abdul Ngeki, Ahmed Sirma, Laya Bando, Aisha Dembele, Abi Togo, and Awa Tesure.
According to the police, investigations commenced after intelligence reports indicated the suspicious disappearance of several foreign nationals within Nigeria.
Preliminary findings showed that the suspects allegedly targeted vulnerable youths from countries such as Mali and Gabon, deceiving them with promises of employment opportunities in Nigeria and possible migration pathways to Europe.
Victims were reportedly made to pay transportation and processing fees before being moved to locations in Mararaba and Karu, where they were subjected to harsh and restrictive living conditions.
The police further disclosed that victims who could no longer provide money were allegedly coerced into participating in staged kidnapping schemes. They were reportedly instructed to contact relatives and falsely claim they had been abducted, while ransom payments were directed to bank accounts controlled by the syndicate.
Placid stated that operatives of the Intelligence Response Team carried out coordinated raids on May 7, 2026, at identified hideouts along Barrister Road in Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State.
He confirmed that the operation led to the successful rescue of all 30 victims and the arrest of the 13 suspects linked to the trafficking network.
The Nigeria Police Force added that investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate and reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime.
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