The Nigeria Police Force have arrested and paraded 13 suspects involved in transnational trafficking of 30 Malian nationals.
The investigation and subsequent arrest followed a formal petition submitted to the Nigeria Police Force by the Association of Malian citizens in Nigeria regarding the disappearance of several Malian nationals within Nigeria under suspicious circumstances.
The suspects were apprehended by the operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) led by DCP Adamu Muazu after 17 days of diligent investigation involving both geo-spatial technical intelligence and human intelligence operations.
The operation uncovered a sophisticated transnational trafficking and fraudulent exploitation network operating within the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring communities.
The suspects were identified as Abdul Ngaki, believed to be the principal suspect and leader of the syndicate, alongside 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.
Parading the suspects in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the Force Public Relations Officer FPRO, DCP Anthony Placid said investigations revealed that the syndicate led by Abdul Ngaki targets young vulnerable job seekers across West Africa.
“Investigations revealed that the syndicate, led by Abdul Ngaki, specifically targeted vulnerable young persons from West African countries, particularly Mali and Gabon, by falsely promising them opportunities to travel to Europe, especially Spain, or option to secure high-paying employment within Nigeria.
“Victims were instructed to pay approximately One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira (₦120,000) as transportation and processing fees”.
Giving more details the FPRO said “Further findings established that upon arrival in Nigeria, the victims were conveyed to locations situated within residential apartments in Mararaba and Karu, Nasarawa State.
“At these locations, had their movements restricted, and were compelled to make additional payments amounting to One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (₦150,000) under the guise of investment fees for wellness products and business schemes” .
“Those victims, unable to make additional payments were subsequently coerced into participating in staged kidnapping schemes orchestrated by the syndicate.
“Under this arrangement, victims were forced to contact their families in their home countries while pretending to be kidnap victims, thereby inducing relatives to remit ransom payments into accounts controlled by members of the syndicate” He said.
DCP Placid further disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force is currently collaborating with the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Embassy of Mali to facilitate the proper documentation, protection, and safe repatriation of the rescued victims.
He said investigations were still ongoing particularly as it concerns collaborators, including persons who may have assisted the syndicate in securing accommodation, facilitating logistics, and concealing the illegal activities under the guise of legitimate business operations.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
