The Nigeria Police Force has arrested three suspected members of an international human trafficking network and rescued a 21-year-old Nigerian woman allegedly sold for N770,000 and forced into prostitution in Mali.
The victim, identified as Godiya Amos from Akwanga, Nasarawa State, was reportedly lured abroad in September 2026 with promises of lucrative employment but was instead handed over to a prostitution syndicate operating around gold-mining camps in Mali.
Police investigations revealed that one of the suspects, Orgba Solomon, 28, allegedly recruited the victim and sold her for CFA 420,000 before confiscating her phone and travel documents. She was reportedly transported through Lagos and the Republic of Benin using illegal border routes.
The police said she was beaten for refusing prostitution and forced to take a blood oath before being sexually exploited.
Her rescue followed an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad, FID-STS, between October 1 and 27, following a report by her sister.
The operation led to the arrest of Daniel Aondofa, 26; Solomon, 28; and Thankgod Ocho, 25, all from Benue State. Three other female victims were also rescued and reunited with their families.
Godiya reportedly told investigators that about 42 Nigerian women remained trapped in a makeshift camp in a remote mining settlement in Mali, where they were allegedly subjected to forced prostitution and slave-like conditions.
While presenting the suspects, Assistant Commissioner of Police Godfrey Victor said the trio had confessed to their alleged involvement and provided information that helped locate the victim.
He added that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the network and rescue additional victims.
The police urged Nigerians to verify overseas employment offers and report suspected human trafficking activities to the nearest police station.