The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 15 suspects linked to human trafficking, while 30 victims were rescued in operations carried out in the FCT and Nasarawa State.

Parading the suspects in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said 13 suspects were arrested for allegedly running a trans-border human trafficking syndicate, targeting young people from West African countries with false promises of jobs and travel to Europe.

The Police said the victims were taken to apartments in Mararaba and Karu, Nasarawa State, where they were held and forced to demand ransom from their families.

The 17 days operations led to the rescue of 30 Malian nationals and the arrest of suspects, including the alleged gang leader, Abdul Ngaki.

Police also arrested two suspects accused of kidnapping their father and grandfather for ransom.

In another operation, John Cosmos Govi was arrested for allegedly drugging his employer’s family and stealing luxury wristwatches worth about N150 million.

Commandant of the Intelligence Response Team, DCP Adamu Muazu, said intelligence gathering made the operations successful.

The FPRO said investigations are ongoing to arrest more suspects and recover more exhibits.