The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major breakthrough in its fight against transnational organised crime with the dismantling of a human trafficking and fraudulent exploitation syndicate operating in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas. The operation, conducted on May 7, 2026, led to the rescue of 30 foreign nationals and the arrest of 13 suspects, including the syndicate’s leader, Abdul Ngaki. The victims, all Malian nationals, were held in exploitative conditions in Mararaba and Karu, Nasarawa State, after being lured with false promises of migration to Europe and job opportunities in Nigeria.
According to DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the Force Public Relations Officer, the investigation began after intelligence reports revealed the suspicious disappearance of several foreign nationals within Nigeria. Preliminary findings showed that the syndicate specifically targeted vulnerable young people from West African countries, particularly Mali and Gabon. These individuals were deceived with promises of better lives abroad and were forced to pay processing and transportation fees before being transported to hidden locations in Nasarawa State.
Once there, victims were kept under restrictive and exploitative conditions. Those who failed to meet additional financial demands were coerced into participating in staged kidnapping schemes. The criminals forced the victims to contact their families back home, pretending they had been abducted, and demanded ransom payments. These funds were then transferred into accounts controlled by the syndicate, further enriching the criminal network.
The Intelligence Response Team (IRT) acted on credible intelligence and launched a coordinated raid on May 7, 2026, at hideouts along Barrister Road, Rugan Dakachi, in Nasarawa State. The operation successfully rescued all 30 victims and apprehended 13 suspects directly involved in the criminal activities. The arrested individuals 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.
The Nigeria Police Force emphasized its continued commitment to combating human trafficking, transnational organised crime, and all forms of exploitation. Authorities assured the public that all individuals connected to the syndicate will face justice. This operation highlights the increasing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks preying on vulnerable migrants and underscores the importance of public awareness and intelligence sharing in preventing such crimes. The successful rescue of the victims and the arrest of key suspects mark a significant step forward in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against human trafficking and related abuses.
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