The Niger State Police Command has arrested ten suspected human traffickers and rescued 36 undocumented youths believed to be victims of international trafficking.
According to police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects were apprehended on July 18, 2025, in Minna, following credible intelligence about suspicious activities at 123 Quarters.
The suspects, mostly from neighbouring West African countries and French-speaking, were allegedly operating under the guise of travel agents, using false promises to lure and extort their victims. Only one Nigerian, identified as Hashimu Dauda Kolo, was among the group. He is believed to have provided accommodation for the syndicate in Minna.
Those arrested include Sokou Doumbia, Thiarno Balbe, Usman Doumbia, Musa Konate, Lamine Watara, Acine Diouf, Adamu Zarbu, Alhassan Konde, and Dango Aminatu, alongside Hashimu.
The police said the victims – 36 undocumented youths are nationals of Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. During interrogation, many of them claimed they came to Nigeria for an “online business.”
All suspects and rescued victims have been handed over to Interpol for further investigation and appropriate actions.
This latest operation highlights ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to tackle cross-border human trafficking, which remains a serious issue across West Africa.