The Nigeria Police Force has rescued a 21-year-old Nigerian woman allegedly trafficked to Mali and sold for 420,000 CFA francs, equivalent to approximately ₦770,000, for sexual exploitation.
The shocking incident came to light following investigations by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), who also uncovered the alleged detention of about 42 other Nigerian women in a remote gold-mining settlement in Mali.
The rescued woman, identified as Godiya Amos (not her real name), was reportedly lured from Akwanga, Nasarawa State, by a suspected human trafficker, Orgba Solomon, 28, under the pretext of securing a lucrative job abroad.
Police investigations revealed that she was taken to Lagos on September 26, 2026, before being transported through illegal border routes in the Republic of Benin to Mali.
Upon arrival, her mobile phone and travel documents were allegedly seized to prevent her from contacting her family.
She was subsequently handed over to other members of the trafficking network and allegedly sold for 420,000 CFA francs.
According to the police, the victim suffered severe beatings after refusing to engage in prostitution. She was also allegedly taken to a shrine and forced to take a blood oath before being subjected to sexual exploitation.
The police operation, which reportedly took place between October 1 and 27, followed a complaint lodged by the victim’s sister.
Three suspected members of the trafficking syndicate were arrested. They were identified as Daniel Aondofa, 26; Orgba Solomon, 28, also known as Terry; and ThankGod Ocho, 25. All three suspects are reportedly from Benue State.
Police said Solomon, believed to be the alleged leader of the syndicate, returned to Nigeria on October 18 to recruit more young women for trafficking to Mali and Senegal, leading to his arrest alongside the other suspects.
The operation also led to the rescue of three other female victims identified as Martha Godiya, Amina Usman and Hadisa Yahaya, who have reportedly been reunited with their families.
However, the investigation uncovered an even more disturbing situation after Amos reportedly informed investigators that about 42 other Nigerian women were being held in a makeshift camp in a remote gold-mining community in Mali.
The women were allegedly subjected to forced prostitution, physical abuse and slave-like conditions, while strict surveillance made escape difficult.
The Nigeria Police Force said investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the trafficking network and facilitate the rescue of additional victims.
The development was disclosed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Victor Ogbiede Godfrey during a press briefing in Abuja.
