The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 30 Malian nationals allegedly trafficked and held under exploitative conditions in Nasarawa State, following a coordinated operation by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

Thirteen suspects linked to the alleged trafficking syndicate were arrested during raids carried out on May 7, 2026, in Mararaba, Karu, and along Barrister Road in Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anthony Placid, said the victims were lured from countries including Mali and Gabon with promises of jobs in Nigeria and possible migration opportunities to Europe.

Police alleged that the victims paid transportation and processing fees before being confined in residential hideouts under harsh conditions. Investigators also claimed some victims were forced into staged kidnapping schemes, where they contacted relatives to demand ransom payments allegedly directed to accounts linked to the suspects.

Among those arrested were Abdul Ngaki, identified as the alleged leader of the syndicate, alongside 12 others.

“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team carried out coordinated operations which led to the rescue of thirty victims and the arrest of thirteen suspects directly linked to the operation,” the statement read.

The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the trafficking network.