The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a suspected transnational human trafficking and fraudulent exploitation syndicate operating within the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring communities, rescuing 30 foreign nationals believed to have been held under exploitative conditions.
Police authorities described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against organized cross-border crime and human trafficking in Nigeria.
According to the Force, the operation led to the arrest of 13 suspects allegedly linked to the criminal network, including the alleged syndicate leader, Abdul Ngaki.
Others arrested 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.
Victims Lured With False Promises
Investigations by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) reportedly began after security agencies received intelligence concerning the disappearance of several foreign nationals within Nigeria under suspicious circumstances.
Preliminary findings showed that the syndicate allegedly targeted vulnerable young people from West African countries, particularly Mali and Gabon, with promises of migration opportunities to Europe and lucrative jobs in Nigeria.
Victims were reportedly persuaded to pay transportation and processing fees before being brought into Nigeria and housed in residential locations around Mararaba and Karu in neighbouring Nasarawa State.
Police said the victims were subsequently held in restrictive and exploitative conditions.
Fake Kidnapping Scheme Uncovered
Authorities further revealed that some victims who failed to meet additional financial demands were allegedly forced into staged kidnapping operations organized by the syndicate.
Under the scheme, victims were reportedly compelled to contact relatives in their home countries while pretending they had been abducted, prompting families to send ransom payments to bank accounts allegedly controlled by members of the syndicate.
Security experts say the development highlights the growing sophistication of trafficking networks operating across West Africa, where criminal groups increasingly combine human trafficking with cyber-enabled extortion and ransom scams.
Coordinated Raid Leads to Rescue
Acting on intelligence, operatives of the IRT carried out coordinated operations on 07 May 2026, at identified hideouts located along Barrister Road in Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State.
The raids resulted in the rescue of 30 victims, all identified as Malian nationals, while 13 suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.
Police authorities said investigations are continuing to identify other collaborators and possible international links connected to the syndicate.
Nigeria Faces Growing Human Trafficking Threat
Human trafficking remains one of the major transnational crimes affecting West Africa, with thousands of vulnerable young people often targeted through false promises of jobs, migration opportunities and overseas travel.
Security analysts warn that worsening economic hardship, unemployment and irregular migration pressures continue to expose many youths across the region to trafficking networks and exploitation.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking, organized crime and all forms of exploitation.
“The Nigeria Police Force assures members of the public that all persons connected to the criminal network will be brought to justice,” the statement said.
