Police Rescue 30 Malians, Arrest 13 Over Human Trafficking Ring in Nasarawa
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 30 victims of human trafficking and arrested 13 suspected members of a transnational trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anthony Placid, police operatives uncovered the illegal operation in residential buildings located in Mararaba and Karu, where the victims were allegedly held under restrictive and exploitative conditions.
Among those arrested were Abdul Ngaki, identified as the alleged leader of the syndicate, 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.
Police said investigations began after intelligence reports indicated the suspicious disappearance of several foreign nationals within Nigeria.
Preliminary findings revealed that the syndicate allegedly targeted vulnerable youths from countries including Mali and Gabon, deceiving them with promises of employment opportunities in Nigeria and possible relocation to Europe.
Victims were reportedly asked to pay transportation and processing fees before being moved to hideouts in Mararaba and Karu, Nasarawa State.
The police further disclosed that victims who could no longer provide money were allegedly forced to participate in fake kidnapping schemes orchestrated by the suspects. According to investigators, the trafficked persons were instructed to contact their families and falsely claim they had been abducted in order to extort ransom payments.
Placid stated that operatives of the Intelligence Response Team carried out coordinated raids on May 7, 2026, at locations along Barrister Road in Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State.
He said the operation led to the rescue of 30 victims, all identified as Malian nationals, and the arrest of the 13 suspects believed to be directly involved in the trafficking network.
The police added that investigations are ongoing and efforts are being intensified to arrest other members of the syndicate still at large.
The Force also reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking, organised crime and other forms of cross-border criminal activities in the country.
