Police Rescue 39 Foreign Nationals From Suspected Human Trafficking Den Near Abuja

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued 39 foreign nationals from a suspected human trafficking operation in the Orange Market area of Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area.

The victims—32 males and seven females—were discovered confined inside a bungalow during a swift police operation. According to authorities, all the victims are citizens of Mali, except one female who is from Ivory Coast. None of them could communicate in any local Nigerian language.

The rescue followed a distress report filed around 10:40 a.m. by a Malian national, Habi Baraji, who speaks only French and Arabic. Baraji told police he was lured from Mali to Nigeria about a week ago by another Malian identified as Abdullahi Berter. Berter allegedly promised him a job opportunity in France but instead brought him to Nigeria.

Upon arriving in Mararaba, Baraji said he realised he had been deceived when Berter began pressuring him to recruit more Malians to travel to Nigeria for unclear purposes. Baraji informed security personnel that he believed several other victims were being held captive in the area.

Acting on the intelligence, detectives immediately mobilised to the location and uncovered 39 foreigners held inside the bungalow. The victims were evacuated to safety and taken into protective custody.

Sources within the security apparatus confirmed that the rescued individuals are currently undergoing profiling while arrangements are being made to contact the Malian and Ivorian consular authorities for further action.

The police have not disclosed whether any arrests have been made but say investigations are ongoing.

Read Also: Terrorists Attack Gov Fintiri’s Hometown in Adamawa, Kill Former Councillor, Abduct Two Sons