MINNA, Nigeria (BN24) — Authorities in Nigeria’s Niger State have dismantled a suspected international human trafficking syndicate, arresting, 10 people and rescuing 36 victims from across West Africa, police confirmed Tuesday.
The operation, carried out on July 18 in Minna, the state capital, was based on intelligence about suspicious activities in the 123 Quarters area of the city. According to Niger State Police Command spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun, the syndicate allegedly posed as travel agents while facilitating illegal cross-border movements and extorting their victims.
Of the 10 suspects taken into custody, nine are nationals from neighboring West African countries, with most reportedly fluent only in French. One Nigerian accomplice, identified as Hashimu Dauda Kolo, is believed to have provided accommodation and logistical support for the group in Minna.
“The syndicate specialized in trafficking unsuspecting individuals under false pretenses to different destinations,” Abiodun said in an official statement. “They were discovered with 36 victims from Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea—all without proper documentation.”
The suspects were identified as Sokou Doumbia, Thiarno Balbe, Usman Doumbia, Musa Konate, Lamine Watara, Racine Diouf, Adamu Zarbu, Alhassan Konde, Dango Aminatu, and Hashimu Dauda Kolo.
During police interrogation, the rescued victims initially claimed they had come to Nigeria for online business opportunities. However, officials believe they were deceived and trafficked under exploitative conditions.
All suspects and victims have been transferred to Interpol for further investigation and coordinated international action, police said.
Human trafficking remains a critical issue across West Africa, where porous borders and economic hardship have left vulnerable populations susceptible to exploitation. Nigerian authorities have ramped up efforts in recent years to identify trafficking networks and cooperate with international agencies to curb the illegal trade.
