Nigeria Police dismantle transnational human trafficking, rescue 30 foreign nationals
Nigeria Police Force Dismantles Human Trafficking Syndicate
The Nigeria Police Force announced a significant advancement in its efforts to combat transnational organized crime with the recent dismantling of a human trafficking and exploitation syndicate operating in the Federal Capital Territory and its surrounding areas.
In a statement released by Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid, the operation resulted in the rescue of 30 foreign nationals and the arrest of 13 individuals associated with the criminal network.
Among those arrested was Abdul Ngaki, identified as the principal suspect and leader of the syndicate. The other suspects 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.
Placid noted that investigations were initiated following intelligence reports concerning the suspicious disappearance of several foreign nationals in Nigeria. Preliminary findings have indicated that the syndicate primarily targeted vulnerable young people from West African nations, particularly Mali and Gabon, using false promises of migration opportunities to Europe and appealing job offers in Nigeria.
The police stated that victims were persuaded to pay processing and transportation fees before being taken to locations in Mararaba and Karu, Nasarawa State, where they were held under exploitative conditions. Further investigations revealed that victims unable to meet additional financial demands were coerced into participating in staged kidnapping schemes orchestrated by the syndicate.
“As part of this operation, victims were compelled to contact relatives in their home countries, falsely claiming they had been kidnapped, which pressured family members to remit ransom payments into accounts controlled by the syndicate,” the statement explained.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Intelligence Response Team conducted coordinated operations on May 7, 2026, targeting identified hideouts along Barrister Road in Nasarawa State. The operation led to the successful rescue of 30 individuals, all identified as Malian nationals, and the arrest of the 13 suspects linked to the syndicate.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to addressing human trafficking, transnational organized crime, and various forms of exploitation. Authorities assured the public that all individuals connected to the criminal network will face legal consequences.
