What started as a search for a better future reportedly turned into a terrifying nightmare for dozens of young West Africans rescued from a suspected trafficking network in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a dangerous criminal syndicate accused of trafficking and exploiting foreign nationals across the Federal Capital Territory and nearby communities. Moreover, operatives rescued 30 victims and arrested 13 suspects linked to the operation.
According to police authorities, the victims were allegedly lured into Nigeria with promises of jobs and travel opportunities to Europe. However, they were later held in secret locations and forced into fake kidnapping schemes used to extort money from their families abroad.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the suspects arrested include Abdul Ngaki, identified as the alleged syndicate leader, alongside 12 other accomplices 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.
Investigators said the criminal network mainly targeted vulnerable young people from Mali and Gabon.
Victims were reportedly convinced to pay transportation and processing fees before being moved into hideouts in Mararaba and Karu areas of Nasarawa State.
Furthermore, authorities discovered that many victims were kept under harsh and restrictive conditions after arriving in Nigeria.
Police investigations revealed that victims who failed to meet additional financial demands were allegedly forced into staged kidnapping operations.
Under the arrangement, victims contacted their relatives while pretending to have been kidnapped. Consequently, family members abroad were pressured into sending ransom payments to accounts controlled by the syndicate.
“They were promised a better life, but instead faced a nightmare,” the police statement noted.
“Young, vulnerable, and hopeful, they left Mali and Gabon in search of jobs in Nigeria and opportunities to migrate to Europe. Instead, they found captivity.”
According to the Nigeria Police Force, the victims were stripped of their freedom and emotionally manipulated for financial gain.
“The level of exploitation was severe,” the statement added.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team carried out coordinated operations on May 7, 2026.
The raids targeted identified hideouts located along Barrister Road in Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State.
Meanwhile, all 30 rescued victims were confirmed to be Malian nationals.
Police also confirmed that 13 suspects directly connected to the operation were arrested during the raid.
“This was not ordinary street crime. It was a sophisticated transnational network based on human exploitation,” the statement said.
The police assured the public that investigations are ongoing to identify additional persons connected to the trafficking ring.
Furthermore, authorities reiterated their commitment to fighting organised crime, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation across the country.
“To the 30 Malian nationals rescued from these hideouts: You came to Nigeria seeking a better life. The Nigeria Police Force ensured your story did not end there,” the statement added.
The discovery of the human trafficking has again raised concerns over rising cross-border crimes targeting desperate young Africans searching for economic opportunities.
