The Commissioner of Police Nasarawa State Police Command, Shetima Mohammed-Jauro, has said that the command rescued 39 foreign nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking.
He said that the victims were rescued from Orange Market, Mararaba in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Speaking further, he said “On November 30, at about 10:40 hours, some persons suspected to be foreign nationals, who speak only French and Arabic, were reportedly sighted, about a week earlier, at Orange Market, Mararaba.
“Based on credible intelligence, I immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Mararaba ‘A’ Division to move to the scene for prompt action.
“A team of police detectives was immediately mobilised to the location, where 33 males and 7 females, all Malian nationals except one person from the Ivory Coast, were rescued from a bungalow at Orange Market, Mararaba, Karu LGA.”
Mohammed-Jauro further said that Berter, who initially fled upon learning of the presence of security operatives, was however arrested following an intensive manhunt.
“All rescued victims will be formally handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and necessary action in line with the law,” the Commissioner said.
He said that the command also arrested one Abubakar Adamu, a suspected kidnapper, and recovered a firearm and ammunition at Kertyo Village, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
He said: “During interrogation, the suspect led detectives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit to his Ruga in Adudu, where a search was conducted.
“The following items were recovered: 1 AK-47 rifle, 2 Magazines and 11 rounds of live 7.62x39mm ammunition.”
CP Mohammed-Jauro assured the people of Nasarawa State that the safety of lives and property remains the command’s highest priority.
He said that the command would continue to put criminals on the run, dismantle trafficking and criminal networks.
