By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued 40 foreign nationals, mainly from Mali and Ivory Coast, who were allegedly lured into Nigeria by a human trafficking syndicate under the guise of securing jobs for them in France.
The victims were intercepted before they could be moved out of the country, according to a statement released on Saturday.
Commissioner of Police Shettima Jauro disclosed the development during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Lafia.
CP Jauro explained that the victims were deceived with promises of employment opportunities in Europe and were brought into Nigeria through illegal routes.
He noted that they were being kept at a location in the state in preparation for onward transportation to France when operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided the hideout and rescued them.
The commissioner further revealed that the prime suspect, identified as the ringleader of the trafficking network, is currently on the run.
He added that a manhunt has been launched to track down the suspect and other members of the syndicate.
Details regarding the victims’ welfare and the exact location of the rescue operation were not immediately released, as investigations are still ongoing.
