Authorities free 30 migrants from Mali held by human smuggling ring in Nasarawa

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Operatives of the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force have dismantled a foreign human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.

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The police rescued 30 Malian nationals allegedly held captive by the gang in an operation led by the IRT Commander, Adamu Muazu.

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A police source familiar with the operation said the rescue followed a petition from leaders of the Malian Diaspora Community in Nigeria over the alleged trafficking and exploitation of their nationals.

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According to the source, victims had contacted relatives in Mali, claiming they were being held hostage, with their captors demanding money for their release.

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“A leader from the Malian diaspora group wrote a petition to the IRT, and our commander swung into action. There have been many complaints about their loved ones asking them to send money, saying they were being held hostage with their hands tied and money was being demanded for their release,” the source said.

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He added that one of the victims’ parents initially paid money to the traffickers, but the victim later called again after two weeks requesting further assistance.

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Another police officer, who participated in the operation, said sustained surveillance led operatives to a residential apartment at Barrister Road, Rugan Dakachi area of Karu Local Government Area, where about 15 victims were first rescued after 17 days of operation.

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“After 17 days of relentless follow-up, our men eventually succeeded in rescuing about 15 Malian nationals who were lured, kidnapped and kept under captivity in a residential apartment,” the source added.

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During the operation, 12 Malians and one Nigerian suspect were arrested, while others reportedly escaped.

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The police officer added that investigations later led operatives to another apartment in the same area, where an additional 15 victims were rescued, bringing the total number of rescued persons to 30.

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“In total, 13 suspects, mostly Malians, were arrested by our men, while others escaped. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” the source said.

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The police also disclosed that the prime suspect allegedly rented the two apartments used for the operation for N1.9m and N1.7m respectively.

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The victims are expected to be handed over to officials of the Malian Embassy.

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A petition dated April 23, 2026, signed by the President of the Malian Citizens Diaspora Organisation in Nigeria, Dembélé Talibé, alleged that the victims were deceived into Nigeria under false job promises by a network operating under the guise of “Q-NET.”

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The petition described the syndicate as an employment and investment front used to exploit victims upon arrival.

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One of the rescued victims, Idirisaa Kaulibali, said he was brought into Nigeria by his half-sister with promises of financial opportunity.

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“I was invited here by my half-sister to come and make money in Nigeria. When I got here, they said I needed money to join them.

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“They told me they sell wristwatches online, so I had to tie my hands and ask my parents to send money so I could start the business. I am not the only one who did that. All of us did the same,” he added.

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