The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a disturbing web of organized crime involving transnational human trafficking, a family-backed kidnapping syndicate, and a domestic staff-led robbery operation in a series of major breakthroughs announced on Friday in Abuja.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) Headquarters in Guzape, under the command of DCP Adamu Saidu Muazu, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said the operations underscore the “evolving nature of criminality” in the country and the determination of the police to dismantle sophisticated criminal networks.
The briefing, held on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, detailed three separate investigations that led to multiple arrests, the rescue of trafficked foreign nationals, and the recovery of exhibits linked to violent crimes.
Police Bust Transnational Human Trafficking Syndicate
In what police described as a highly coordinated trans-border trafficking operation, operatives of the IRT arrested 13 suspects and rescued 30 Malian nationals allegedly trapped in a fraudulent trafficking and exploitation network operating within the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring Nasarawa communities.
According to investigators, the syndicate targeted vulnerable youths from West African countries, especially Mali and Gabon, with false promises of relocation to Europe or lucrative jobs in Nigeria.
Victims were reportedly instructed to pay about ₦120,000 for transportation and processing before being moved into residential apartments in Mararaba and Karu, Nasarawa State, where they were allegedly held under restrictive conditions.
Police said the victims were further extorted and compelled to pay an additional ₦150,000 under the guise of investment opportunities and wellness product schemes.
Those unable to make the payments were allegedly forced into staged kidnapping scams in which they contacted family members abroad, pretending they had been abducted, while syndicate members demanded ransom payments.
“The operation lasted 17 days and combined geo-spatial intelligence with human intelligence assets,” the police spokesman disclosed.
On May 7, 2026, operatives raided two residential buildings along Barrister Road in Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State, rescuing all 30 victims and arresting the suspects.
Police identified the alleged syndicate leader as Abdul Ngaki.
Authorities said investigations are continuing to identify collaborators who provided logistics, accommodation, and operational support to the network.
The Nigeria Police Force is also working with the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Embassy of Mali to facilitate the safe repatriation of the rescued victims.
Son, Grandson Allegedly Kidnapped Their Own Father for Ransom
In another shocking case, police uncovered what investigators described as a “family-backed kidnapping conspiracy” involving a biological son and grandson accused of orchestrating the abduction of their own father and grandfather for financial gain.
The suspects arrested are Musa Adamu and Yusuf Rabo, while another suspect, Ali Haruna, remains at large.
Investigators alleged that Yusuf Rabo and Ali Haruna conspired with Musa Adamu to kidnap Alhaji Rabo Jelani after concluding that the elderly man possessed significant wealth and livestock.
Police said Ali Haruna allegedly supplied an AK-47 rifle belonging to his father, while the other suspects also procured firearms used for the operation.
According to the police, the victim was abducted on two separate occasions.
During the first incident, the family reportedly paid ₦2 million in ransom, while a second abduction later yielded ₦4.5 million.
Investigators claimed that part of the ransom proceeds was deducted to cover the cost of firearms used in the operation, while Yusuf Rabo allegedly invested his share in cattle trading in an attempt to conceal the source of the money.
The police further linked the syndicate to the kidnapping of an Igbo trader identified simply as Mr Iyke, as well as a highway robbery attack near Government Secondary School, Kagoma, where travellers were reportedly dispossessed of ₦1 million.
An AK-47 rifle was recovered during the operation, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and recover additional weapons.
Chef Allegedly Drugged Employer’s Family Before ₦150m Luxury Watch Heist
In the third case, police arrested a 41-year-old chef, John Cosmos Govi, over an alleged conspiracy to drug members of his employer’s household and facilitate a robbery operation targeting luxury items worth about ₦150 million.
According to police findings, Govi, who trained at a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, allegedly infiltrated affluent homes under the guise of domestic employment.
He was said to have secured employment in March 2026 as a chef in the residence of Engr. Kassim Abu Amjad.
Investigators alleged that Govi studied the household’s routines and security arrangements before collaborating with two accomplices identified simply as Peter and Moses, both reportedly from Benin Republic.
Police said the suspects allegedly laced soup prepared for the family with a sedative substance intended to induce deep sleep and disable resistance from occupants and security personnel.
At about 10 p.m. on April 23, 2026, the accomplices allegedly entered the residence with Govi’s assistance after the substance had taken effect.
The suspects reportedly destroyed the CCTV monitoring system before carting away ₦12,000 cash and 20 luxury wristwatches valued at approximately ₦150 million.
Operatives later intercepted the suspects while they allegedly attempted to flee through Gwagwalada Park en route to Lagos.
Police recovered an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to the victim, while a suspected chemical substance recovered from the residence has been sent for forensic analysis.
Engr. Kassim Abu Amjad and three family members are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi.
Investigators said Govi has allegedly confessed to involvement and is assisting authorities with information aimed at tracking down other gang members and recovering the stolen valuables.
Police Vow Continued Crackdown on Organized Crime
Closing the briefing, the Nigeria Police Force assured Nigerians that investigations into all three cases remain ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to arrest fleeing suspects and dismantle connected criminal networks.
The Force also advised members of the public to exercise caution when employing domestic staff and to report suspicious activities promptly.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within the country,” DCP Anthony Okon Placid stated.
