The Nigeria Police Force has rescued a 21-year-old Nigerian woman from an alleged human trafficking network in Mali, where she was reportedly sold for about N770,000 and forced into prostitution, while an estimated 42 other Nigerian women remain trapped in a gold-mining settlement.
The rescued woman, Patience Darius, from Akwanga, Nasarawa State, told investigators that the women were held under strict surveillance in a makeshift camp, where they faced forced prostitution and slave-like conditions.
The police said the rescue followed an intelligence-led investigation triggered by a complaint from Darius’s sister. Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad of the Force Intelligence Department subsequently arrested three suspected members of the trafficking syndicate between October 1 and 27, 2026.
The suspects are Daniel Aondofa, 26; Orgba Solomon, 28, also known as Terry; and ThankGod Ocho, 25. All three are from Benue State, while Solomon was identified as the alleged leader.
ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, who coordinated the operation, disclosed the arrests during a press briefing. The police said the suspects provided information that helped investigators locate and rescue Darius.
Investigators alleged that Solomon lured the victim with promises of lucrative employment abroad. She was taken to Lagos on September 26, moved through illegal border routes into the Benin Republic and subsequently transported to gold-mining camps in Mali.
Solomon reportedly seized her phone and travel documents, cutting off contact with her family before she was taken out of Nigeria.
In Mali, she was allegedly handed over to two individuals identified as Mohammed and Marian, also known as Riana, before being sold for 420,000 CFA francs, equivalent to approximately N770,000.
Darius told investigators she was beaten for refusing to engage in prostitution and taken to a shrine, where she was forced to take a blood oath before being compelled into the trade.
The police said Solomon was arrested after returning to Nigeria to recruit more women for trafficking to Senegal and Mali. Aondofa and Ocho were also apprehended during the investigation.
Following her return to Nigeria, Darius was taken to a police clinic for medical evaluation.
The police said investigations were continuing to track down other suspected members of the network and rescue additional victims reportedly held in Mali.
Police Rescue Woman Sold for N770,000 in Mali, 42 Others Reportedly Trapped
