Police rescue 30 Malian nationals in Nasarawa human trafficking bust

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 30 people from Mali who were allegedly trafficked and kept in poor conditions in Nasarawa State.

Police officers from the Intelligence Response Team also arrested 13 suspects linked to the suspected trafficking network.

Force spokesperson, Anthony Placid, said the victims were found in houses located in Mararaba and Karu areas of Nasarawa State.

Among those arrested were Abdul Ngaki, who police identified as the leader of the group, 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.

Police said investigations started after reports about the disappearance of some foreign nationals in Nigeria.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspects allegedly lured young people from countries such as Mali and Gabon with promises of jobs in Nigeria and opportunities to travel to Europe.

The victims reportedly paid transport and processing fees before they were moved to houses in Mararaba and Karu, where they were allegedly treated badly and restricted from leaving.

Police also alleged that victims who ran out of money were forced to take part in fake kidnapping schemes. They were allegedly instructed to call their families and falsely claim they had been kidnapped so ransom money could be sent to accounts connected to the suspects.

The police said the operation was carried out on May 7, 2026, along Barrister Road in Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State, leading to the rescue of all 30 victims.

The Force added that efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the trafficking network and reiterated its commitment to fighting human trafficking and organised crime in Nigeria.