Police rescue 37 trafficking victims, arrest 10 suspects in Niger

The Niger State Police Command has rescued 37 victims of human trafficking and apprehended 10 suspected traffickers following a coordinated operation in Minna, the state capital.

The operation, conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in collaboration with INTERPOL Abuja, was based on credible intelligence. The case was reportedly referred by CP Yemi Ajayi, Commissioner of Police in charge of INTERPOL, who had tracked the syndicate’s movements into the state.

Acting on the tip-off, operatives launched a raid at about 12:30 p.m. on July 18, successfully rescuing 37 trafficked individuals who were brought into Nigeria through illegal routes.

The victims, who are currently in protective custody, include 24 nationals from Côte d’Ivoire, 7 from Mali, 3 from Guinea Conakry, 2 from Senegal, and 1 from Burkina Faso.

Ten suspected traffickers were arrested during the operation.

They were identified as Seiwu Doumbia, Usman Doumbia, and Musa Konate from Côte d’Ivoire; Thiarno Balbe and Alhassan Konde from Guinea Conakry; Lamins Watara from Senegal; Hashimu Dauda Kolo from Nigeria; Racin Diouf from Niger Republic; and Adamu Zarbu and Dango Aminatu from Burkina Faso.

Police sources revealed that most of the suspects lacked valid travel documents.

During interrogation, many of them claimed they came to Nigeria for “online business,” though only one could speak limited English.

Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to unravel the full extent of the trafficking network.

A senior police official also stated that the command will continue working with international bodies and relevant agencies to ensure the victims are repatriated safely and the perpetrators brought to justice.