The Nigeria Police Force has arrested three suspected members of an international human trafficking syndicate and rescued a 21-year-old Nigerian woman allegedly trafficked to Mali and sold for N770,000 for forced prostitution.
The victim, identified as Godiya Amos, from Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was reportedly lured to Mali in September 2026 with promises of well-paying employment. However, upon arrival, she was allegedly handed over to a prostitution syndicate operating around gold-mining camps in the country.
Police investigations revealed that one of the suspects, 28-year-old Orgba Solomon, allegedly recruited Amos and sold her for CFA 420,000. He was also accused of confiscating her mobile phone and travel documents. The victim was reportedly transported through Lagos and the Republic of Benin via illegal border routes before arriving in Mali.
According to the police, Amos was subjected to physical abuse for refusing to engage in prostitution and was allegedly forced to take a blood oath before being sexually exploited.
Her rescue followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) between October 1 and 27, after her sister reported the incident.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects identified as Daniel Aondofa, 26; Orgba Solomon, 28; and Thankgod Ocho, 25, all from Benue State. Three other female victims were also rescued during the operation and reunited with their families.
Amos reportedly told investigators that approximately 42 Nigerian women remained trapped in a makeshift camp within a remote mining settlement in Mali, where they were allegedly subjected to forced prostitution and inhumane conditions.
Presenting the suspects, Assistant Commissioner of Police Godfrey Victor said the three men had confessed to their alleged involvement in the trafficking operation and provided useful information that led to the victim’s rescue.
He added that investigations were ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate and secure the release of more victims still held in the trafficking network.
The police urged Nigerians to exercise caution when accepting overseas employment offers, verify the authenticity of recruitment arrangements and report suspected human trafficking cases to the nearest police station.