The Nigeria Police Force has rescued a 21-year-old Nigerian woman allegedly trafficked to Mali and sold to a prostitution network for CFA 420,000—about ₦770,000—while uncovering reports that about 42 Nigerian women remain trapped in a remote gold-mining settlement.
The Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) announced the development at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. It said three suspected members of the alleged international trafficking syndicate had been arrested.
How the victim was trafficked
The victim, identified only as Miss Godiya Amos to protect her identity, was allegedly recruited in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, with promises of a lucrative job abroad. Police said suspect Orgba Solomon, 28, seized her phone and travel documents before moving her out of Nigeria through illegal routes in the Republic of Benin on 26 September 2026.
She was allegedly handed over to other network members in Mali and sold for CFA 420,000. According to the police, she was beaten after refusing to engage in prostitution, forced to take a blood oath at a shrine, and subjected to sexual exploitation.
The case came to light after the victim’s sister reported the matter, prompting an intelligence-led investigation by the FID-STS, led by ACP Victor Ogbiede Godfrey.
Three suspects arrested:
Police said Solomon returned to Nigeria on 18 October to recruit more young women for trafficking to Senegal and Mali, allowing operatives to place him under surveillance.
Three suspects were arrested: Daniel Aondofa, 26; Orgba Solomon, also known as Terry, 28, identified as the alleged gang leader based in the Republic of Benin; and Thankgod Ocho, 25. All are from Benue State.
Three other female victims—Martha Godiya, Amina Usman and Hadisa Yahaya—were also rescued and reunited with their families.
42 women still trapped:
The rescued woman told investigators that about 42 Nigerian women were being held in a makeshift camp in a remote gold-mining settlement in Mali. Police said the victims were allegedly subjected to forced prostitution, restricted movement and slave-like conditions.
The Force said it was working to locate the camp, rescue the remaining victims and arrest other members of the syndicate.
Separate arrests:
In related operations, the FID-STS said it arrested two men in Taraba State over alleged armed robbery, vehicle theft and receiving stolen property. Aminu Shafiu, 35, and Mohammed Yahaya, 33, both from Yola, Adamawa State, were arrested on 16 October.
Five vehicles were recovered: two Toyota Corollas, a Toyota Pontiac Vibe, a Toyota Sienna and another Toyota Pontiac. Police said the suspects confessed and provided information that could help track other syndicate members.
The unit also arrested three suspected gun runners and bandit collaborators in Katsina State on 1 October: Musa Lawal, 30; Bello Abubakar, 25; and Abubakar Mohammed, 24. Items recovered included one fabricated pistol, three fabricated AK-47 rifles and eight rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition.
ACP Godfrey said the operations followed directives from Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu to protect vulnerable persons and intensify action against trafficking, armed robbery and illegal firearms. He urged the public to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station.