Police Rescue 30 Malians from Human Trafficking Syndicate in Nasarawa

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.”