The victim, identified as Godiya Amos, from Akwanga in Nasarawa State, was reportedly deceived into travelling abroad in September 2026 with the promise of securing a well-paying job. However, upon arrival, she was allegedly handed over to a prostitution ring operating around gold-mining communities in Mali.
According to police investigations, one of the suspects, 28-year-old Orgba Solomon, allegedly recruited the woman and sold her for CFA 420,000 before taking possession of her mobile phone and travel documents. She was reportedly moved through Lagos and the Republic of Benin before being taken to Mali through unauthorised border routes.
The police further disclosed that the victim was allegedly assaulted for resisting prostitution and compelled to undergo a blood oath ritual before being subjected to sexual exploitation.
Her rescue followed an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad, FID-STS, between October 1 and 27, following a report by her sister.
The operation led to the arrest of Daniel Aondofa, 26; Solomon, 28; and Thankgod Ocho, 25, all from Benue State. Three other female victims were also rescued and reunited with their families.
Godiya reportedly told investigators that about 42 Nigerian women remained trapped in a makeshift camp in a remote mining settlement in Mali, where they were allegedly subjected to forced prostitution and slave-like conditions.
While presenting the suspects, Assistant Commissioner of Police Godfrey Victor said the trio had confessed to their alleged involvement and provided information that helped locate the victim.
He added that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the network and rescue additional victims.
The police urged Nigerians to verify overseas employment offers and report suspected human trafficking activities to the nearest police station.