The Niger State Police Command has busted a suspected human trafficking syndicate in Minna, arresting 10 suspects and rescuing 36 victims, mostly women and minors.

The syndicate is believed to be acting as travel agents under false pretences and trafficking unsuspecting victims to different countries.

According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the victims were allegedly being processed for illegal transportation out of the country for forced labor and sexual exploitation.

Abiodun revealed the suspects were arrested on July 18 at about 12.30pm based on credible intelligence received on their activities along 123 Quarters, Minna.

The suspects include Sokou Doumbia, Thiarno Balbe, Hashimu Dauda-Kolo, Usman Doumbia, and Musa Konate, Lamine Watara, Racine Diouf, Adamu Zarbu, Alhassan Konde, and Dango Aminatu.

“They were discovered to be indigenous to various neighbouring West African countries and could basically speak in French, except for their Nigerian collaborator, Dauda-Kolo, who provides accommodation for the syndicate in Minna and one other.

“The operation also led to the rescue of 36 youths of different countries, such as Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, without any documents,” he stated.

During interrogation, they claimed that they had come to Nigeria for an online business.

The statement said all the suspects and the victims were transferred to Interpol for further investigation and other necessary actions.

The victims have since been taken into protective custody and are receiving medical attention and psychological support. Authorities say the suspects will face charges under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.

Niger State Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s commitment to combating trafficking, calling on residents to report suspicious movements and activities in their communities.