The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major breakthrough in its crackdown on transnational organised crime after dismantling a human trafficking and fraud syndicate operating in the Federal Capital Territory and nearby communities.
The operation reportedly led to the rescue of 30 foreign nationals and the arrest of 13 suspects believed to be part of the criminal network.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid.
According to the police, the arrested suspects include Abdul Ngaki, said to be the leader of the syndicate, alongside several others allegedly connected to the operation.
Investigators revealed that the case began after security agencies received intelligence reports about the disappearance of foreign nationals in Nigeria under suspicious circumstances.
Preliminary findings showed that the syndicate allegedly targeted vulnerable young people from West African countries, especially Mali and Gabon, by promising them opportunities to travel to Europe or secure lucrative jobs in Nigeria.
Victims were reportedly made to pay transportation and processing fees before being moved to locations in Mararaba and Karu areas of Nasarawa State, where they were allegedly kept under harsh and exploitative conditions.
Police further disclosed that some victims who could not meet additional financial demands were allegedly forced into fake kidnapping schemes organised by the syndicate.
According to investigators, the victims were instructed to contact their family members back home and pretend they had been kidnapped so that relatives would send ransom payments to accounts controlled by the suspects.
Acting on intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) carried out coordinated raids on May 7, 2026, at identified hideouts along Barrister Road in Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State.
The operation led to the rescue of 30 victims, all identified as citizens of Mali, while 13 suspects were arrested during the raid.
The Nigeria Police Force assured the public that investigations are ongoing and vowed that everyone linked to the trafficking network would be brought to justice.
Police authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to fighting human trafficking, organised crime, and all forms of exploitation across the country.