The Nasarawa State Police Command has apprehended 39 irregular migrants from Mali who were allegedly recruited for a covert operation. The arrests followed a raid in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area, after credible intelligence indicated that foreign nationals speaking only French and Arabic were present at Orange Market. Commissioner of Police CP Shettima Mohammed Jauro said the operation was launched after receiving information about these 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 illegally transported from Mali and detained in a bungalow at Orange Market, where they were instructed to recruit more people for an undisclosed mission. Police arrested 32 men and seven women, all from Mali except for one individual from Ivory Coast. The prime suspect remains at large, prompting a manhunt 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, police arrested a suspected kidnapper, Abubakar Adamu, in Kertyo village, Obi Local Government Area. Adamu was found in possession of firearms, and a search of his residence yielded an AK‑47 rifle, two magazines and 11 rounds of live ammunition. CP Shettima assured that the suspect will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation, emphasizing that the state will not tolerate criminal activities.
These arrests highlight the ongoing efforts of the Nasarawa State Police Command to combat crime and irregular migration in the region. The command’s proactive intelligence gathering and swift response to suspicious activities have disrupted potential criminal operations. As the investigation into the migrants’ case continues, police are working to uncover the motives behind their recruitment and the intended purpose of their mission. Handing the migrants over to the Nigeria Immigration Service will facilitate further investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Comments are closed for this story.