The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recorded a significant breakthrough in its crackdown on transnational organised crime following the dismantling of a human trafficking and fraudulent exploitation syndicate operating within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring communities.
The operation led to the rescue of thirty foreign nationals and the arrest of thirteen suspects allegedly linked to the criminal network.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the coordinated operation was carried out by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) following credible intelligence concerning the suspicious disappearance of several foreign nationals within Nigeria.
The suspects arrested during the operation include Abdul Ngaki, identified by investigators as the alleged syndicate leader, 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.
Preliminary investigations by the police revealed that the syndicate specifically targeted vulnerable young persons from West African countries, particularly Mali and Gabon, using false promises of migration opportunities to Europe and lucrative employment offers in Nigeria.
Victims were reportedly persuaded to pay processing and transportation fees before being transported into Nigeria and housed in residential locations within Mararaba and Karu areas of Nasarawa State.
Police investigations further established that many of the victims were subjected to exploitative and restrictive living conditions after arriving in the country.
According to the police, victims who failed to meet additional financial demands imposed by the syndicate were allegedly forced into participating in staged kidnapping schemes organised by the criminal network.
Under the arrangement, victims were reportedly compelled to contact their relatives in their home countries while pretending to have been kidnapped, thereby pressuring family members to send ransom payments into bank accounts controlled by members of the syndicate.
Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team carried out coordinated raids on May 7, 2026, at identified hideouts located along Barrister Road in Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State.
The operation resulted in the rescue of thirty victims, all identified as Malian nationals, while thirteen suspects were apprehended in connection with the illegal activities.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking, transnational organised crime, and all forms of exploitation across the country.
The Force also assured members of the public that all individuals connected to the criminal syndicate would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
โThe Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its determination to dismantle criminal networks involved in trafficking, exploitation and organised fraud,โ the statement noted.
The latest development comes amid growing concerns over the activities of transnational trafficking syndicates operating across West Africa and exploiting vulnerable individuals through false migration and employment schemes.
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