Police Arrest 10 Suspected Human Traffickers, Rescue 36 Victims in Minna

The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 10-member syndicate in Minna allegedly involved in international human trafficking under the guise of travel agency operations.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects were apprehended on July 18 at around 12:30 p.m., following credible intelligence about their activities at 123 Quarters, Minna.

The suspects, mostly from neighboring West African countries, include: Sokou Doumbia, Thiarno Balbe, Hashimu Dauda-Kolo, Usman Doumbia, Musa Konate, Lamine Watara, Racine Diouf, Adamu Zarbu, Alhassan Konde, and Dango Aminatu.

Abiodun revealed that nine of the suspects are foreign nationals who primarily speak French, while the only Nigerian among them, Hashimu Dauda-Kolo, is believed to have provided accommodation and logistical support for the syndicate in Minna.

The police also rescued 36 victims—young men and women—from Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. None of the victims had valid travel documents.

“During interrogation, the suspects claimed they were in Nigeria for an online business,” the statement added.

All suspects and victims have been handed over to Interpol for further investigation and appropriate action.