By Stephen Simon
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested three suspected members of an international human trafficking syndicate and rescued a 21-year-old Nigerian woman allegedly trafficked to Mali and forced into prostitution.
The police also disclosed that about 42 Nigerian women were reportedly being held in a remote gold-mining settlement in Mali, where they were allegedly subjected to sexual exploitation and harsh living conditions.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Tactical Squad, Victor Ogbiede Godfrey, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja.
He identified the suspects as Daniel Aondofa, 26; Orgba Solomon, 28, also known as Terry; and Thankgod Ocho, 25. All three are from Benue State.
According to the police, investigations revealed that Solomon allegedly lured the principal victim, Godiya Amos, from Akwanga, Nasarawa State, with promises of lucrative employment abroad.
She was reportedly taken through Lagos and illegal border routes into the Republic of Benin before being transported to mining camps in Mali.
The police alleged that her travel documents and mobile phone were confiscated, cutting off communication with her family.
Investigators further alleged that she was sold for CFA420,000, equivalent to approximately N770,000, and subjected to violence after refusing to engage in prostitution.
The operation, conducted between October 1 and 27, also led to the rescue of three other female victims and a woman from Mali.
The police said investigations were continuing, with efforts intensified to apprehend other members of the network and rescue the remaining victims
