Police rescue 30 trafficked Malians in Nasarawa

The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a suspected human trafficking syndicate operating within the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states, rescuing 30 Malian nationals allegedly held under exploitative conditions in Nasarawa State.

The operation, carried out by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team, IRT, also led to the arrest of 13 suspects believed to be connected to the trafficking network.

Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, revealing that the victims were discovered in residential buildings located in Mararaba and Karu areas of Nasarawa State.

According to the police, those arrested include Abdul Ngaki, identified as the alleged leader of the syndicate, as well as 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 investigations reportedly 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 with promises of employment opportunities in Nigeria and possible migration to Europe.

Victims were said to have paid transportation and processing fees before being moved into residential hideouts in Mararaba and Karu, where they were allegedly subjected to harsh and restrictive conditions.

The police further alleged that victims who could no longer provide money were forced into staged kidnapping schemes coordinated by the suspects.

According to the statement, the trafficked victims were allegedly instructed to contact their relatives and falsely claim they had been abducted, with ransom payments subsequently directed into accounts linked to members of the syndicate.

The Nigeria Police Force spokesman disclosed that the coordinated raids were conducted on May 7, 2026, at locations along Barrister Road in Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State, leading to the successful rescue of all 30 victims.

“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team carried out coordinated operations which led to the rescue of thirty victims, all identified as Malian nationals, and the arrest of thirteen suspects directly linked to the operation,” the statement read.

The police added that efforts are ongoing to track down other suspects connected to the trafficking network, while reaffirming the Force’s commitment to combating human trafficking and transnational organised crime across the country.