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Operatives of the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force have dismantled a foreign human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.

The police rescued 30 Malian nationals allegedly held captive by the gang in an operation led by the IRT Commander, Adamu Muazu.

A police source familiar with the operation said the rescue followed a petition from leaders of the Malian Diaspora Community in Nigeria over the alleged trafficking and exploitation of their nationals.

According to the source, victims had contacted relatives in Mali, claiming they were being held hostage, with their captors demanding money for their release.

“A leader from the Malian diaspora group wrote a petition to the IRT, and our commander swung into action. There have been many complaints about their loved ones asking them to send money, saying they were being held hostage with their hands tied and money was being demanded for their release,” the source said.

He added that one of the victims’ parents initially paid money to the traffickers, but the victim later called again after two weeks requesting further assistance.

Another police officer, who participated in the operation, said sustained surveillance led operatives to a residential apartment at Barrister Road, Rugan Dakachi area of Karu Local Government Area, where about 15 victims were first rescued after 17 days of operation.

“After 17 days of relentless follow-up, our men eventually succeeded in rescuing about 15 Malian nationals who were lured, kidnapped and kept under captivity in a residential apartment,” the source added.

During the operation, 12 Malians and one Nigerian suspect were arrested, while others reportedly escaped.

The police officer added that investigations later led operatives to another apartment in the same area, where an additional 15 victims were rescued, bringing the total number of rescued persons to 30.

“In total, 13 suspects, mostly Malians, were arrested by our men, while others escaped. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” the source said.

The police also disclosed that the prime suspect allegedly rented the two apartments used for the operation for N1.9m and N1.7m respectively.

The victims are expected to be handed over to officials of the Malian Embassy.

A petition dated April 23, 2026, signed by the President of the Malian Citizens Diaspora Organisation in Nigeria, Dembélé Talibé, alleged that the victims were deceived into Nigeria under false job promises by a network operating under the guise of “Q-NET.”

The petition described the syndicate as an employment and investment front used to exploit victims upon arrival.

One of the rescued victims, Idirisaa Kaulibali, said he was brought into Nigeria by his half-sister with promises of financial opportunity.

“I was invited here by my half-sister to come and make money in Nigeria. When I got here, they said I needed money to join them.

“They told me they sell wristwatches online, so I had to tie my hands and ask my parents to send money so I could start the business. I am not the only one who did that. All of us did the same,” he added.

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A man publicly confronted and disgraced an alleged fake prophet who wore the white garment associated with the Celestial Church of Christ after he reportedly failed to recite two hymns from the church’s hymn book.

The incident quickly went viral on social media as several onlookers gathered around the man and the alleged prophet during the heated confrontation.

According to a trending video online, the angry man accused the supposed prophet of disgracing the church and misleading people while pretending to be a genuine member of the Celestial Church.

He repeatedly questioned the man and demanded that he recite two hymns from the Celestial hymn book. However, the alleged prophet failed to provide the hymns correctly.

As the confrontation intensified, the man openly mocked and scolded him in front of the crowd.

“You are disgracing the church,” the angry man said during the confrontation.

He also threatened to beat him anytime he caught him wearing the Celestial white garment again.

The dramatic scene attracted reactions from passersby, while some people brought out their mobile phones and recorded the incident.

Meanwhile, social media users have continued to react to the trending video. Some users supported the confrontation, while others insisted that the situation required a calmer approach without public humiliation.

The viral clip has also triggered debates online about fake religious leaders and the misuse of church garments for personal gain.

WATCH VIDEO below:

Man publicly disgraced an alleged fake prophet wearing Celestial white garment after he failed to recite two hymns from the Celestial hymn book. He bl&$t3d him for disgracing the church and thr3&t3n3d to b3&7 him anytime he sees him wearing Celestial garments again. pic.twitter.com/fVHLnIlTEp

— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) May 9, 2026

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Gunmen have abducted six students of Nasarawa State University’s Gudi Campus after raiding an off-campus hostel in Anguwar Ninzo, Akwanga Local Government Area, on Wednesday night.

The attack occurred around 9 pm, according to Nasarawa State Police Command spokesperson SP Rahman Nansel.

The victims are all students of the Faculty of Engineering at the university’s Gudi Campus.

Another person at the lodge during the raid was also taken, bringing the total number of abductees to seven.

Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police Shetima Mohammed visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and assured students, residents, and the university community that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of the victims.

Security agencies have launched a coordinated operation involving the police, DSS, military, NSCDC, vigilante groups, and other tactical teams.

The Area Commander in Akwanga has been redeployed to coordinate field operations.

“The operation is aimed at tracking down the abductors, rescuing the victims unhurt and bringing the perpetrators to justice,” Nansel said.