The Nasarawa State Police Command has apprehended 39 irregular migrants from Mali, who were allegedly recruited for a covert operation. The arrest was made following a raid in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area, after credible intelligence suggested the presence of foreign nationals who spoke only French and Arabic at Orange Market.
According to Commissioner of Police, CP Shettima Mohammed Jauro, the operation was carried out after receiving information about the suspicious individuals. Preliminary investigations revealed that a Malian national, Abdullahi Berter, had lured the victims with promises of job opportunities in France. The migrants were transported illegally from Mali and detained in a bungalow at Orange Market, where they were instructed to recruit more people for an undisclosed mission.
The police arrested 32 men and seven women, all of whom were from Mali, except for one individual from Ivory Coast. The prime suspect, however, is currently at large, and a manhunt has been launched to track him and other members of the syndicate. The victims will be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and appropriate action.
In a separate incident, the police arrested a suspected kidnapper, Abubakar Adamu, in Kertyo village, Obi Local Government Area. Adamu was found in possession of firearms, and a subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 11 rounds of live ammunition. CP Shettima assured that the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation, emphasizing that the state will not tolerate criminal activities.
The arrests highlight the ongoing efforts of the Nasarawa State Police Command to combat crime and irregular migration in the region. The command’s proactive approach to intelligence gathering and swift response to suspicious activities has led to the disruption of potential criminal operations. As the investigation into the migrants’ case continues, the police are working to uncover the motives behind their recruitment and the intended purpose of their mission. The handing over of the migrants to the Nigeria Immigration Service will facilitate further investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.