Police Rescue 30 Malians, Arrest 13 in Nasarawa Trafficking Case

Nigerian police have rescued 30 Malian nationals from a human trafficking syndicate and arrested 13 suspects in an operation in Nasarawa State. The rescue operation was carried out on May 7, 2026, by the police Intelligence Response Team at residential hideouts along Barrister Road in the Rugan Dakachi area.

According to a statement from Force Public Relations Officer Anthony Placid, the syndicate was operating within the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring communities. The victims were discovered being held in the Mararaba and Karu areas of Nasarawa State.

Police investigations began following intelligence reports concerning the suspicious disappearance of several foreign nationals within Nigeria. Preliminary findings indicate the criminal network targeted vulnerable young people from West African countries, particularly Mali and Gabon. They allegedly lured victims with false promises of lucrative employment in Nigeria and migration opportunities to Europe.

The victims were induced to pay processing and transportation fees before being taken to the residential locations where they were held under what police described as exploitative and restrictive conditions. Authorities...