The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued 39 foreign nationals believed to be victims of human trafficking during a coordinated operation in the Orange Market area of Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area.
The victims—32 males and seven females—are predominantly from Mali, with one female from Ivory Coast.
Their rescue followed a distress report made around 10:40 a.m. by a Malian national, Habi Baraji, who speaks only French and Arabic.
Baraji told authorities that he had been lured from Mali to Nigeria about a week earlier by another Malian, identified as Abdullahi Berter, who falsely promised him a job opportunity in France. Upon arriving at Orange Market, Baraji realised he had been deceived.
He alleged that Berter began mounting pressure on him to recruit more people from Mali for an undisclosed purpose.
Sensing foul play, Baraji alerted security officials, further revealing that he believed Berter was holding “many other victims” captive in a residence within the area.
Acting on the intelligence, police detectives swiftly mobilised to the location, where they uncovered 39 foreign nationals confined inside a bungalow.
None of the victims could communicate in any Nigerian language, confirming their foreign origins.
They were immediately rescued and moved to safety.
Sources disclosed that all victims have been placed in protective custody for thorough profiling and to facilitate communication with the Malian and Ivorian consular authorities.
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