The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a major transnational human trafficking and fraud syndicate operating across Nigeria and other West African countries, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects and the rescue of 30 Malian nationals allegedly held under exploitative conditions in Nasarawa State.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team, IRT, followed a 17-day intelligence-driven investigation triggered by a petition from the Association of Malian Citizens in Nigeria over the mysterious disappearance of several of its members.
Police authorities said the rescued victims were allegedly lured into Nigeria with false promises of lucrative jobs, business opportunities, and assistance to migrate to Europe, especially Spain.
Those arrested include Abdul Ngaki, Fatimah Kulibali, Ahmad Kasango, Sidibe Musa, Muhammad Dembele, Saidu Traore, Ali Koulibaly, Abdul Ngeki, Ahmed Sirma, Laya Bando, Isha Dembele, Abi Togo, and Awa Tesure.
Parading the suspects in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anthony Okon Placid, said preliminary investigations exposed a highly organised criminal network that preyed on vulnerable migrants from Mali, Gabon, and neighbouring West African countries.
According to the police, victims were initially persuaded to travel to Nigeria after being assured of quick access to European travel documents or high-paying employment opportunities.
Upon arrival, they were allegedly forced to pay about ₦120,000 described as transportation and processing fees before being moved to residential apartments in Mararaba and Karu areas of Nasarawa State.
Investigators said the victims later discovered they had been trapped in a fraudulent operation where their movements were restricted and additional payments of up to ₦150,000 were demanded under the guise of investment opportunities, wellness products, and business registration schemes.
Police further disclosed that victims who could not meet the financial demands were allegedly subjected to psychological pressure and forced into staged kidnapping schemes orchestrated by the syndicate.
Under the arrangement, victims were reportedly compelled to contact relatives back home and falsely claim they had been abducted, while members of the syndicate demanded ransom payments from family members in Mali and other countries.
Authorities described the operation as a dangerous blend of human trafficking, cyber-enabled fraud, extortion, and organised transnational crime.
The breakthrough came on May 7, 2026, when IRT operatives raided two residential buildings along Barrister Road in Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State, rescuing all 30 victims and taking the suspects into custody.
Police say investigations are continuing to identify additional collaborators, financial backers, and possible international connections linked to the network.
Security experts say the case highlights the growing sophistication of human trafficking syndicates operating within West Africa, where desperate migrants are increasingly targeted with fake migration opportunities and fraudulent employment schemes.
The Nigeria Police Force has assured the public that efforts are ongoing to dismantle the remaining cells of the syndicate and strengthen collaboration with neighbouring countries to combat cross-border trafficking and organised crime.
