The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued 30 Malian nationals from a human trafficking and fraudulent exploitation syndicate operating in Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Operation Details
In a statement released on Monday, May 18, police spokesperson Anthony Placid confirmed that the victims were held captive at residential locations in Mararaba and Karu. A total of 13 suspects linked to the criminal network were arrested during the operation.
The suspected leader of the syndicate was identified as Abdul Ngaki. Other arrested suspects include 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.
Investigation and Modus Operandi
Investigations began after intelligence reports emerged concerning the suspicious disappearance of several foreign nationals in Nigeria. Preliminary findings revealed that the syndicate specifically targeted vulnerable young individuals from West African countries, particularly Mali and Gabon.
The traffickers lured victims with false promises of migration opportunities to Europe and lucrative employment in Nigeria. Victims were allegedly persuaded to pay processing and transportation fees before being moved to locations in Mararaba and Karu, where they were kept under restrictive and exploitative conditions.
Staged Kidnapping Scheme
Police also alleged that some victims who could not provide additional payments were forced into staged kidnapping schemes orchestrated by the syndicate. The victims were instructed to contact relatives in their home countries and falsely claim they had been kidnapped in order to extort ransom payments. These ransom funds were then directed to bank accounts controlled by the syndicate.
Rescue Operation
Operatives of the Intelligence Response Team carried out coordinated operations on May 7, 2026, at identified hideouts along Barrister Road in Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State. The operation led to the rescue of all 30 victims, who were confirmed as Malian nationals, and the arrest of the suspects allegedly connected to the network.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking, transnational organised crime, and all forms of exploitation. The statement assured the public that all persons connected to the criminal network will be brought to justice.
