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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police rescue 30 Malians from trafficking syndicate in Nasarawa

From The Punch · (1h ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Nigerian police have dismantled a human trafficking syndicate in Nasarawa State, rescuing 30 Malian nationals.
  • The operation followed a petition from the Malian Diaspora Community in Nigeria regarding relatives held captive and exploited.
  • Police arrested 13 suspects, mostly Malians, and are pursuing others who escaped, with victims to be handed over to the Malian Embassy.

In a significant operation against transnational crime, Nigeria's Intelligence Response Team (IRT) has successfully dismantled a human trafficking syndicate in Nasarawa State, leading to the rescue of 30 Malian nationals. This operation highlights the persistent challenges posed by trafficking networks that prey on vulnerable individuals seeking better opportunities.

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.

— Police sourceDetailing the initial complaint that triggered the police investigation.

The intervention was prompted by a series of distress calls and a formal petition from the Malian Diaspora Community in Nigeria. Their relatives in Mali had been contacted by victims claiming to be held hostage, with captors demanding ransom. The harrowing accounts of victims being lured to Nigeria under false pretenses of employment, only to be exploited and held captive, underscore the ruthless nature of these criminal enterprises.

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.

— Police officerDescribing the successful initial rescue operation.

The IRT's meticulous investigation, involving sustained surveillance and multiple raids on rented apartments, culminated in the rescue of the victims and the arrest of 13 suspects, predominantly Malian nationals. While efforts continue to apprehend those who evaded capture, the successful operation provides a measure of relief to the affected families and demonstrates the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to combating human trafficking. The rescued individuals will be repatriated to the care of the Malian Embassy, marking a crucial step towards their recovery and return home.

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

— Police sourceProviding an update on arrests and ongoing efforts to capture all perpetrators.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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