The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a transnational human trafficking and fraud syndicate operating in the Federal Capital Territory and nearby communities, rescuing 30 foreign nationals and arresting 13 suspects.
The operation, announced on May 18, 2026, targeted a network accused of luring young people from West Africa with false promises of migration to Europe and high-paying jobs in Nigeria.
According to Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the syndicate focused mainly on vulnerable nationals from Mali and Gabon.
Investigations began after reports of several foreign nationals disappearing under suspicious circumstances. Police say victims were convinced to pay processing and transportation fees before being moved to residential locations in Mararaba and Karu, Nasarawa State. There, they were held under exploitative and restrictive conditions.
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For those unable to pay additional fees, the group allegedly forced victims into staged kidnapping schemes. Victims were made to call relatives back home, pretending they had been kidnapped, to extort ransom payments into accounts controlled by the syndicate.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Intelligence Response Team carried out coordinated raids on May 7, 2026, at hideouts along Barrister Road and Rugan Dakachi in Nasarawa State. All 30 rescued victims were identified as Malian nationals.
The arrested suspects include alleged ringleader Abdul Ngaki, along with 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.
The Police Force said it remains committed to combating human trafficking, transnational organized crime, and exploitation. Authorities assured that everyone linked to the network will face prosecution.
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