The Nigeria Police Force says it rescued 30 Malian nationals from a “human trafficking and fraudulent exploitation syndicate” in Nasarawa state.
In a statement issued on Monday, Anthony Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, said the syndicate operates in the Federal Capital
Territory (FCT) and neighbouring communities.
The victims were held in residential locations in Mararaba
and Karu.
Thirteen suspects linked to the criminal network were
arrested.
“The suspects arrested include Abdul Ngaki, identified as
the principal suspect and syndicate leader, alongside 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,”
Placid said.
“Investigations commenced following intelligence concerning
the disappearance of several foreign nationals within Nigeria under suspicious
circumstances.
“Preliminary findings revealed that the syndicate targeted
vulnerable young persons from West African countries, particularly Mali and
Gabon, with false promises of migration opportunities to Europe and lucrative
employment in Nigeria.
“Victims were induced to pay processing and transportation
fees before being conveyed to residential locations in Mararaba and Karu,
Nasarawa State, where they were held under exploitative and restrictive
conditions.”
Placid also said investigations showed that victims who
could not pay more money were forced to take part in fake kidnapping schemes
organised by the syndicate.
He said the victims were made to call their relatives back
home and pretend they had been kidnapped, so their family members would send
ransom money to bank accounts controlled by the syndicate.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the
Intelligence Response Team (IRT) conducted coordinated operations on 7th May
2026 at identified hideouts along Barrister Road, Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa
State, leading to the rescue of thirty (30) victims, all identified as Malian
nationals, and the arrest of thirteen suspects directly connected to the
operation,” Placid said.
“The Nigeria Police Force states its commitment to combating
human trafficking, transnational organised crime, and all forms of
exploitation, while assuring members of the public that all persons connected
to the criminal network will be brought to justice.”
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