Police bust international human trafficking syndicate in Niger, rescue 36 victims

The Niger State Police Command has uncovered a suspected 10-member international human trafficking ring in Minna and rescued 36 victims from several West African countries in a coordinated operation.

Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement, said the syndicate was dismantled on July 18, 2025, after security operatives acted on credible intelligence pointing to suspicious activities at the 123 Quarters area of Minna.

Investigations revealed that the suspects, posing as travel agents, lured unsuspecting victims with promises of online business opportunities abroad.

Most of the group’s members, who are non-Nigerians and communicate mainly in French, were allegedly aided by a Nigerian accomplice identified as Hashimu Dauda Kolo, who reportedly provided accommodation for them in Minna.

“The operation led to the rescue of 36 young people from countries including Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. All were without valid travel documents,” SP Abiodun confirmed.

The rescued victims claimed they entered Nigeria for business purposes. They have since been handed over to Interpol for further investigation and appropriate intervention.

The suspects arrested include Sokou Doumbia, Thiarno Balbe, Hashimu Dauda Kolo, Usman Doumbia, Musa Konate, Lamine Watara, Racine Diouf, Adamu Zarbu, Alhassan Konde, and Dango Aminatu.

In another development, Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, announced the successful reunification of 35 kidnap survivors—comprising 16 women and 19 children—with their families.

The victims had earlier been rescued in operations across Kagara, Tegina, and Agwara and spent weeks in police protective custody during their recovery.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the police command’s commitment to eradicating organized crime and ensuring the safety of all residents in the state.