The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested 39 Malians and one Côte d’Ivoire national trafficked into the country by a syndicate.
The foreigners, who include 32 males and seven females, were intercepted in a bungalow located near Orange Market in Mararaba, Karu local government area of the state.
Speaking to journalists on the development, the state commissioner of police, Mohammed Shetima Jauro, said victims who speak only French and Arabic were lured into the country by a Malian resident in Nigeria, one Abdullahi Berter (male), under the pretext of securing job opportunities for them in France.
“The suspect illegally transported them from Mali to Orange Market, Mararraba in Karu local government area of Nasarawa State, where they were held captive in a bungalow and instructed to invite more persons into Nigeria for an undisclosed operation,” the police chief said.
According to him, his office was alerted to the presence of the victims on 30th November, following which he directed the divisional police officer, Mararaba ‘A’ Division, to move to the scene for prompt action.
Upon receipt of the information, a team of police detectives was immediately mobilised to the location, where 32 males and seven females, all Malian nationals except one person from the Ivory Coast, were rescued from a bungalow at Orange Market, Mararaba, Karu LGA.
‘The prime suspect is currently at large, and a manhunt has been launched to apprehend him and any other members of the trafficking syndicate connected to this crime.
“All rescued victims will be formally handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) for further investigation and necessary action in line with the law,” he stated.
He assured the people that their safety remained the highest priority of the command.
“This rescue operation reflects our unwavering resolve to protect the vulnerable and to pursue traffickers relentlessly. Let me emphasise that under my leadership, the Nasarawa State Police Command will continue to put criminals on the run and dismantle trafficking and criminal networks. Nasarawa State is not a safe haven for human trafficking, and justice will find you wherever you hide,” he warned.