By Our Reporter
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 Force said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team following investigations into the disappearance of several foreign nationals in Nigeria under suspicious circumstances.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the suspects arrested include Abdul Ngaki, identified as the alleged 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.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate targeted vulnerable youths from West African countries, particularly Mali and Gabon, with false promises of migration opportunities to Europe and lucrative jobs in Nigeria.
Victims were allegedly made to pay processing and transportation fees before being transported to residential hideouts in Mararaba and Karu areas of Nasarawa State, where they were held under exploitative and restrictive conditions.
The police further disclosed that victims who failed to meet additional financial demands were allegedly forced to participate in staged kidnapping schemes orchestrated by the syndicate.
Under the arrangement, the victims were reportedly compelled to contact their relatives in their home countries while pretending to have been kidnapped, thereby pressuring family members to send ransom payments into accounts controlled by the syndicate.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team carried out coordinated operations on May 7, 2026, at identified hideouts along Barrister Road, Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State.
The operation led to the rescue of 30 victims, all identified as Malian nationals, and the arrest of 13 suspects allegedly connected to the criminal operation.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to combating human trafficking, transnational organised crime, and all forms of exploitation across the country.
The Force also assured the public that all individuals connected to the syndicate would be brought to justice.
