In a significant operation, the Nasarawa State Police Command has successfully rescued approximately forty individuals who were victims of a human trafficking syndicate. The rescue took place at a bungalow located within the Orange Market area of Mararaba, in Karu Local Government Area.
Operation Based on Credible Intelligence
The State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Shetima-Jauro, disclosed that his command acted on a credible tip-off. He explained that a team of detectives was swiftly mobilised to the scene on Monday, December 1, 2025. There, they found and freed the victims who had been held captive.
The police boss detailed that the group consisted of thirty-three males and seven females. The majority were nationals of Mali, with one individual identified as being from Ivory Coast. According to the investigation, the victims were lured to Nigeria under false pretenses, with promises of lucrative job opportunities in France.
"Upon receipt of this information, a team of police detectives was immediately mobilised to the location," stated Shetima-Jauro. He further revealed that while in captivity, the victims were allegedly forced to contact other potential targets to join them in Nigeria, expanding the syndicate's reach.
Handover to Immigration and Arrest of Key Suspect
Following their rescue, the victims were officially handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Lafia, the state capital, for further action. The Comptroller of the NIS in Nasarawa State, Sekure Ubale, confirmed receipt of all forty persons.
In a related development, the police announced a major breakthrough with the arrest of the alleged prime suspect. The fugitive, identified as Abdullahi Berter, a Malian national, was apprehended after an extensive manhunt. Commissioner Shetima-Jauro affirmed that the police are committed to unravelling the full scope of the trafficking network and ensuring all those responsible face the full wrath of the law.
Comptroller Sekure Ubale added that his command has also taken into custody an additional twenty Malian nationals for profiling and subsequent repatriation to their home countries.
Separate Anti-Kidnapping Success
In a separate but equally important security achievement, the police command reported the arrest of a suspected kidnapper. The suspect, Abubakar Adamu, a resident of Adudu District in Obi Local Government Area, was arrested on November 24, 2025, in Kertyo Village.
The arrest, based on credible intelligence, led to a significant weapons recovery. During interrogation, Adamu led operatives from the Command's Anti-Kidnapping Unit to his hideout. There, the police recovered:
- One AK-47 rifle
- Two magazines
- Eleven rounds of live 7.62 x 39mm ammunition
The suspect is currently undergoing investigation and will be prosecuted upon its conclusion.
Commissioner Shetima-Jauro used the opportunity to reassure residents of Nasarawa State of the command's unwavering dedication to protecting lives and property. He issued a stern warning that the state is not a haven for criminals, vowing to relentlessly pursue traffickers and kidnappers and dismantle their operations. He emphasised that justice will be decisively served in all cases.
