Silent Trafficking Scheme Busted in Niger State

Authorities in Niger State have successfully dismantled a ten-member human trafficking syndicate accused of deceiving and transporting unsuspecting individuals across borders under the pretense of offering travel assistance.

The group, believed to be involved in transnational trafficking and extortion, was apprehended in Minna, the state capital.

This followed a coordinated police operation based on actionable intelligence.

The raid occurred on Friday, July 18, 2025, around 12:30 p.m., after law enforcement received a credible tip-off about the group’s illegal activities in the 123 Quarters area of Minna.

Acting swiftly, the police carried out the operation which led to the arrest of all ten suspects and the rescue of several victims.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command, Superintendent Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrests.

He also provided further details regarding the operation.

According to SP Abiodun, the suspects are primarily from neighboring West African countries/

Also, they were allegedly operating a trafficking ring that smuggled individuals into Nigeria under false pretenses.

“The suspects were apprehended following reliable intelligence regarding their suspicious movements and activities within 123 Quarters, Minna,” Abiodun stated.

He added that the group was part of a larger international human trafficking network involved in cross-border extortion schemes.

During the operation, police officers rescued 36 young individuals, most of whom were foreign nationals.

The victims hail from Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

Many of them were found without valid identification or travel documents and appeared to be held under duress.

Investigations revealed that most of the victims spoke only French, indicating their West African origin.

Among the arrested suspects is a Nigerian national, Hashimu Dauda Kolo.

Kolo is alleged to have been providing accommodation and logistical support to the traffickers in Minna.

Another Nigerian accomplice, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was also reportedly assisting the syndicate.

“The rescued individuals are mostly French-speaking nationals from neighboring countries.

“Hashimu, the Nigerian suspect, is believed to have sheltered the group and facilitated their activities within Nigeria,” the police spokesperson noted.

The full list of suspects taken into custody includes Sokou Doumbia, Thiarno Balbe, Hashimu Dauda Kolo and Usman Doumbia.

Others are Musa Konate, Lamine Watara, Racine Diouf, Adamu Zarbu, Alhassan Konde, and Dango Aminatu.

During preliminary interrogations, the victims reportedly told police they had come to Nigeria for what they described as an “online business.”

However, authorities have expressed doubts about this claim, viewing it as a possible cover for illicit activities.

The vague nature of their purpose, coupled with the absence of documentation, has raised suspicions about the legitimacy of their travel.

Following their arrest, both the suspects and the rescued victims were handed over to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for further investigation.

Authorities say the decision to involve Interpol was based on the transnational nature of the case, which spans several West African countries.

SP Abiodun emphasized that investigations are still ongoing and that the police are working diligently to unravel the full scope of the trafficking operation.

The command is determined to identify and prosecute all those involved in the syndicate.

“We are committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice and that the victims receive the necessary support,” he added.

This latest development highlights the growing concerns over human trafficking in the region and underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration in tackling such crimes.

The Niger State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of all individuals and cracking down on those who exploit vulnerable people for financial gain.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook