Police Bust Human Trafficking Syndicate, Rescue 30 Malians, Arrest 13 Suspects
The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a transnational human trafficking and fraud syndicate operating within the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring communities, rescuing 30 foreign nationals and arresting 13 suspects linked to the criminal network.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), followed intelligence reports on the disappearance of several foreign nationals in Nigeria under suspicious circumstances.
According to the police, investigations revealed that the syndicate specialised in targeting vulnerable young persons from West African countries, particularly Mali and Gabon, with false promises of migration opportunities to Europe and lucrative jobs in Nigeria.
The victims were allegedly made to pay processing and transportation fees before being moved to residential hideouts in Mararaba and Karu areas of Nasarawa State, where they were subjected to exploitative and restrictive conditions.
Read Also:
Police identified the principal suspect and alleged syndicate leader as Abdul Ngaki. Other suspects arrested include 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.
Investigators further uncovered that victims who failed to meet additional financial demands were allegedly forced into staged kidnapping schemes coordinated by the syndicate. Under the arrangement, victims were compelled to contact relatives in their home countries while pretending to have been abducted, thereby pressuring family members to pay ransom into accounts controlled by the suspects.
Acting on credible intelligence, IRT operatives conducted coordinated raids on May 7, 2026, at identified hideouts along Barrister Road, Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State. The operation led to the rescue of 30 victims, all confirmed to be Malian nationals, and the arrest of 13 suspects directly connected to the syndicate.
The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said the police remained committed to combating human trafficking, transnational organised crime and all forms of exploitation.
He assured that all individuals connected to the criminal network would be brought to justice.
By PRNigeria
