Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have dismantled a transnational trafficking and fraud syndicate, rescuing 30 foreign nationals and detaining 13 suspects in the FCT and neighboring communities.

The alleged leader, Abdul Ngaki, was arrested alongside 12 others including 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 probe started after reports of foreign nationals disappearing in Nigeria under questionable circumstances. Police say the group lured young people from Mali, Gabon, and other West African countries with false offers of overseas travel and well-paid jobs in Nigeria.

DCP Anthony Placid, Force PRO, said victims paid fees for processing and transport before being moved to houses in Mararaba and Karu, Nasarawa State, where they were confined and exploited. Those who couldn’t pay more were forced to stage fake kidnappings, calling family abroad to demand ransom sent to accounts controlled by the group.

Following a tip-off, the Intelligence Response Team raided locations on Barrister Road, Rugan Dakachi, on May 7, 2026. All 30 rescued victims are Malian nationals.

The police reiterated their commitment to tackling human trafficking and cross-border crime, and said all suspects will be prosecuted.