Police arrest human trafficker, rescue five victims in Katsina

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Katsina State have arrested a suspected human trafficker and rescued five persons from an alleged illegal movement out of the country.

Security sources said the suspect, Rukayya Lawal, 45, was intercepted by a divisional surveillance team at Central Motor Park Katsina at about 12:10 p.m. on February 18 following intelligence reports.

During the operation, officers rescued five victims — Maryam Jamilu, 20; Abdurazak Salisu, 18; Hauwa U. Murtala, 15; Danjuma Sule, 19; and Faiza Rabe, 14 — all said to reside at the same address.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect allegedly planned to traffic the victims from Nigeria to Algeria, where they were expected to work as domestic helpers.

Police authorities confirmed that the suspect has been taken into custody while investigations into the case are ongoing. Officials added that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.