Police bust human trafficking network, rescue Nigerian woman

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested three suspected members of an international human trafficking syndicate and rescued a 21-year-old Nigerian woman allegedly trafficked to Mali for sexual exploitation.

The victim, identified by the police as Godiya Amos (not her real name), reportedly left Nigeria after being promised a lucrative employment opportunity but was allegedly sold to traffickers for CFA 420,000, equivalent to about ₦770,000.

Police investigations revealed that the victim, a native of Akwanga in Nasarawa State, was recruited in September 2026 by one of the suspects, identified as Orgba Solomon.

Solomon allegedly arranged her movement through Lagos and the Republic of Benin before taking her to Mali, where she was handed over to other members of the trafficking network.

Her captors reportedly seized her mobile phone and travel documents to prevent her from contacting relatives.

When she resisted their attempts to force her into prostitution, she was allegedly beaten and compelled to undergo a blood oath ritual.

The police said the investigation began after the victim’s sister reported her disappearance, prompting operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad to track the suspected trafficking network.

The operation, which lasted between October 1 and 27, led to the arrest of three suspects: Daniel Aondofa, 26; Orgba Solomon, 28; and Thankgod Ocho, 25. All three are reportedly from Benue State.

Solomon, believed to be the alleged leader of the operation based in the Republic of Benin, returned to Nigeria on October 18 to recruit additional women for trafficking to Mali and Senegal.

His return reportedly enabled security operatives to track and apprehend members of the syndicate.

The police also disclosed that three other female victims were rescued during the operation. They were identified as Martha Godiya, Amina Usman and Hadisa Yahaya, and have reportedly been reunited with their families.

Further revelations from the rescued victim indicated that about 42 Nigerian women were allegedly being held in a makeshift camp around a remote gold-mining settlement in Mali, where they were subjected to forced prostitution and other forms of exploitation.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Godfrey Victor said the suspects had confessed to their alleged involvement in the trafficking operation and provided information that assisted investigators in locating the victim.

He added that investigations were ongoing to identify other members of the network and facilitate the rescue of additional Nigerian women believed to be trapped in Mali.

The police advised Nigerians to be wary of suspicious overseas employment offers and report suspected human trafficking activities to security agencies.