RismadarVoice Reporters
November 4, 2026
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued a 21-year-old Nigerian woman allegedly trafficked to Mali and sold for approximately ₦770,000, following an intelligence-led operation that resulted in the arrest of three suspected members of an international human trafficking network.
The Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad carried out the operation between October 1 and 27, 2026.
The squad commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Victor Ogbiede Godfrey, disclosed the development during a briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
He identified the suspects as Daniel Aondofa, 26; Orgba Solomon, 28, also known as Terry; and Thankgod Ocho, 25, all from Benue State.
According to the police, Solomon allegedly recruited the victim from Akwanga, Nasarawa State, with promises of employment abroad.
She was reportedly transported through Lagos and the Republic of Benin before being taken to a gold-mining settlement in Mali.
Investigators alleged that Solomon confiscated her telephone and travel documents, preventing her from communicating with relatives.
The woman was subsequently handed over to other members of the suspected trafficking network and allegedly sold for 420,000 CFA francs, equivalent to approximately ₦770,000.
Police said she was physically assaulted after refusing to engage in prostitution and was allegedly forced to take a blood oath before being subjected to sexual exploitation.
The investigation began after her sister reported the incident to security authorities.
According to the police, Solomon returned to Nigeria on October 18 to recruit additional women for trafficking to Mali and Senegal.
During the operation, officers rescued three other women, who were subsequently reunited with their families.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Solomon and his alleged accomplices.
The rescued woman also informed investigators that approximately 42 Nigerian women were being held in a makeshift camp within a remote gold-mining settlement in Mali.
She alleged that the women were subjected to forced prostitution, restricted movement and harsh living conditions.
Authorities have not independently confirmed the exact number of women reportedly remaining at the location. After her return to Nigeria, the rescued woman underwent medical evaluation.
Police said investigations were continuing to identify other members of the suspected trafficking network and facilitate the rescue of additional victims.
The Force urged members of the public to report suspected human trafficking activities and remain cautious of fraudulent overseas employment offers.
The arrested individuals remain suspects pending prosecution and determination of their cases by a competent court.
