In a major breakthrough against organized crime, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command’s Scorpion Squad have dismantled a notorious transnational kidnapping and human trafficking syndicate, arresting 14 suspects and rescuing 23 foreign nationals from captivity.
The intelligence-led operation was conducted on October 22, 2025, at about 8:00 p.m., in Angwan Adamu Ruga Fulani Zone B, Riverside, Ado Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
According to preliminary investigations, the victims — foreign nationals from various West African countries — were deceitfully lured into Nigeria with promises of lucrative employment opportunities. Upon arrival, they were abducted and held hostage by the syndicate, which demanded ransom payments from their families through WhatsApp and other online platforms.
Investigations further revealed that the criminal network is allegedly coordinated by Abubakar Jigiba, a notorious transnational kingpin with known residences in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria. His younger brother, Sougule Zoubere, is said to oversee the recruitment, kidnapping, and smuggling of victims from Mali into Nigeria. Each victim was reportedly held until a ransom of four million CFA (approximately ₦10 million) was paid.
The victims were trafficked into Nigeria through illegal border routes in a journey spanning about three days and confined in two fortified two-bedroom apartments under deplorable conditions. Acting on credible digital and reconstructive intelligence, the Scorpion Squad stormed the hideout and successfully rescued 23 victims — comprising 14 males, 8 females, and 1 child. All were found alive, except one who sustained a minor ear injury and was promptly taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, for treatment.
Arrested Suspects
The following suspects were apprehended in connection with the operation:
- Bubakari Cisse (40)
- Karamogo Dembele (25)
- Musa Kamsoko (23)
- Amadou Traore (25)
- Sareba Traore (24)
- Zoumana Diara (23)
- Umar Koulibaly (26)
- Alasgara Sagara (20)
- Berthe Saidu (23)
- Abdullahi Napo (32)
- Isah Goita (26)
- Lorita Traore (22)
- Mohammed Siaaibe (23)
- Haruna Dembele (37)
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the ring leaders, Abubakar Jigiba and Sougule Zoubere, who are currently at large.
Commending the Scorpion Squad for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating organized crime, ensuring public safety, and upholding human rights.
He also urged residents of the FCT and neighbouring states to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to the police through the following emergency contacts: 08032003913, 08028940883, and the Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 08107314192.