Matilda Omonaiye/
The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a transnational human trafficking and fraud syndicate operating between the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring communities, rescuing 30 foreign nationals and arresting 13 suspects linked to the criminal network.
The operation, described as a major breakthrough against organised cross-border crime, exposed a sophisticated scheme in which vulnerable young West Africans were allegedly lured into Nigeria with promises of jobs and migration opportunities to Europe, only to be trapped in exploitative conditions and forced into staged kidnapping scams.
Police identified the alleged kingpin as Abdul Ngaki, who was arrested 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 Force Headquarters, investigations began after intelligence reports emerged about the suspicious disappearance of several foreign nationals within Nigeria.
Preliminary findings revealed that the syndicate mainly targeted young people from Mali and Gabon, deceiving them with false assurances of overseas travel and lucrative employment opportunities in Nigeria.
Victims were allegedly made to pay transportation and processing fees before being moved to hideouts in Mararaba and Karu areas of Nasarawa State, where they were reportedly held under harsh and restrictive conditions.
Investigators further uncovered that victims who failed to meet additional financial demands were forced to participate in fake kidnapping operations orchestrated by the syndicate.
Under the scheme, victims allegedly contacted family members in their home countries pretending they had been abducted, thereby pressuring relatives to send ransom payments into bank accounts controlled by the traffickers.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team carried out coordinated raids on May 7, 2026, at identified hideouts along Barrister Road in Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State.
The operation led to the rescue of 30 victims, all identified as nationals of Mali, and the arrest of 13 suspects directly linked to the syndicate.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said the police remained committed to combating human trafficking, transnational organised crime and all forms of exploitation.
He assured that investigations were ongoing and that all individuals connected to the criminal network would be brought to justice.
0Related posts:
Internal Security Dynamics and the Imperative of a New Policing Thought in Nigeria
Interrogating Two Years of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Under President Tinubu
Policing The Nigerian Federation: Integrating Community Policing In Nigerian Security Architecture
The National Nature of Human Trafficking: Strengthening Government Responses and Dispelling Misperceptions
How We Are Fighting Human Trafficking – IGP Adamu
Solomon Arase and the Rebirth of Nigeria Police