By Nkechi Eze
The Nasarawa State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing operations against human trafficking and kidnapping, rescuing dozens of foreign nationals and arresting a suspected kidnapper in two separate incidents. Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed Jauro, announced the developments on December 1, 2025, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Lafia, where he reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance toward criminal networks exploiting vulnerable individuals.
According to the Commissioner, police operatives rescued thirty-nine foreign nationals being held in a bungalow at Orange Market, Mararaba, in Karu Local Government Area. The victims, comprising thirty-two males and seven females, were primarily Malian nationals, with one individual from Ivory Coast. Preliminary investigations revealed that they were allegedly trafficked into Nigeria by a Malian identified as Abdullahi Berter, who deceived them with false promises of job opportunities in France.
The Commissioner stated that Berter illegally transported the victims from Mali and kept them confined while directing them to invite more individuals into Nigeria for an undisclosed purpose. Acting on credible intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of Mararaba ‘A’ Division mobilized a team of detectives to the location, leading to the successful rescue of all victims. Although the prime suspect is currently at large, a manhunt has been launched to apprehend him and unravel the full extent of the trafficking network. The victims are expected to be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
In a separate operation, the Command arrested a suspected kidnapper identified as Abubakar Adamu of Adudu District in Awe Local Government Area. He was apprehended on November 24, 2025, in Kertyo Village, Obi Local Government Area, following credible intelligence indicating that he possessed a firearm. During interrogation, the suspect led detectives to his Ruga in Adudu, where officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and eleven rounds of live 7.62 x 39mm ammunition. The Commissioner confirmed that the suspect is undergoing further investigation and will be charged to court once the case file is completed.
CP Jauro assured residents that the safety and security of the people of Nasarawa State remain the Command’s top priority. He emphasized that the Police will continue to dismantle trafficking and criminal syndicates while ensuring that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
