FCT human trafficking syndicate bust by Nigeria Police leads to rescue of 30 victims and arrest of 13 suspects in transnational crime operation

The Nigeria Police Force has announced a significant breakthrough in its fight against transnational organised crime following the dismantling of a human trafficking and fraudulent exploitation syndicate operating within the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring communities.

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The operation, which led to the FCT human trafficking syndicate bust, resulted in the rescue of 30 foreign nationals and the arrest of 13 suspects linked to the criminal network.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed this in a statement, naming Abdul Ngaki as the principal suspect and alleged leader of the syndicate.

Other suspects arrested include 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.

According to the statement, investigations began after intelligence reports indicated the disappearance of several foreign nationals under suspicious circumstances within Nigeria.

Preliminary findings revealed that the syndicate targeted vulnerable young people from West African countries, particularly Mali and Gabon, luring them with false promises of migration opportunities to Europe and employment prospects in Nigeria.

Victims were reportedly made to pay processing and transportation fees before being moved to residential locations in Mararaba and Karu in Nasarawa State, where they were held under restrictive and exploitative conditions.

Further investigations showed that victims who were unable to meet additional financial demands were allegedly forced into staged kidnapping schemes, where they contacted relatives under duress to demand ransom payments.

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team carried out coordinated raids on May 7, 2026, at identified hideouts along Barrister Road, Rugan Dakachi, leading to the rescue of all 30 victims, who were confirmed to be Malian nationals.

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The police said the suspects remain in custody and will be prosecuted, while reaffirming their commitment to tackling human trafficking, exploitation, and transnational organised crime across the country.