The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 30 Malian nationals from what it described as a human trafficking and fraudulent exploitation syndicate operating in Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Police authorities also confirmed the arrest of 13 suspects linked to the alleged criminal network.
Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday. He said the victims were kept in residential buildings located in Mararaba and Karu areas of Nasarawa State.
According to him, security operatives launched investigations after receiving intelligence reports concerning the disappearance of several foreign nationals in Nigeria under suspicious circumstances.
“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.”
The police spokesperson further explained that some victims who failed to provide additional money were allegedly forced into fake kidnap arrangements coordinated by the syndicate.
He said the victims were instructed to contact their relatives and pretend they had been abducted so that ransom payments could be sent into accounts controlled by the suspects.
“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.”
