The police command in Niger says it has arrested a 10-member syndicate in Minna suspected of specialising in international human trafficking.

The syndicate is believed to be acting as travel agents under false pretences and trafficking unsuspecting victims to different countries.

The command’s spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to Mr Abiodun, the suspects were arrested on July 18 at approximately 12:30 p.m. based on credible intelligence received regarding their activities in 123 Quarters, Minna.

The suspects include Sokou Doumbia, Thiarno Balbe, Hashimu Dauda-Kolo, Usman Doumbia, Musa Konate, Lamine Watara, Racine Diouf, Adamu Zarbu, Alhassan Konde, and Dango Aminatu.

“They were discovered to be indigenous in various neighbouring West African countries and could basically speak in French, except their Nigerian collaborator, Dauda-Kolo, who provides accommodation for the syndicate in Minna and one other.

“The operation also led to the rescue of 36 youths of different countries, such as Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, without any documents,” he stated.

During interrogation, they claimed to have come to Nigeria for an online business.

The statement stated that all the suspects and victims were transferred to Interpol for further investigation and any necessary actions.

(NAN)