The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued 30 Malian nationals from a human trafficking and fraudulent exploitation syndicate operating in Nasarawa State. The operation also led to the arrest of 13 suspects linked to the criminal network.
Modus Operandi of the Syndicate
The syndicate, which operated within the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding communities, lured vulnerable young individuals from West African nations with false promises of migration opportunities to Europe and lucrative employment in Nigeria. Victims were reportedly confined in residential buildings in Mararaba and Karu areas of Nasarawa State under exploitative and restrictive conditions.
Investigation and Arrests
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anthony Placid, disclosed in a statement on Monday that investigations began after intelligence reports indicated the suspicious disappearance of several foreign nationals in Nigeria. Preliminary findings revealed that the syndicate specifically targeted young people from Mali and Gabon, convincing them to pay processing and transportation fees before transporting them into Nigeria.
The suspects arrested include Abdul Ngaki, identified as the principal suspect and syndicate leader, along with 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.
Exploitation and Forced Kidnapping
Upon arrival, victims were confined in hideouts in Mararaba and Karu, where they faced various forms of exploitation. Those unable to provide additional money were allegedly forced into staged kidnapping schemes orchestrated by the syndicate. Victims were compelled to contact relatives in their home countries, falsely claiming they had been kidnapped, to extort ransom payments. The ransom funds were deposited into bank accounts controlled by the criminal network.
Rescue Operation
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team conducted coordinated operations on May 7, 2026, at identified hideouts along Barrister Road, Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State. The operation resulted in the rescue of 30 victims, all Malian nationals, and the arrest of 13 suspects directly connected to the syndicate.
ACP Placid reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to combating human trafficking, transnational organized crime, and other forms of exploitation across the country. Investigations are ongoing, and all individuals connected to the syndicate will be brought to justice, he assured.
