Nigeria, May 19 -- The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives have dismantled a transnational human trafficking and fraud syndicate operating in Abuja and its environs, rescuing 30 Malian citizens and arresting 13 suspects linked to the criminal network.

According to a statement issued by the police spokesperson, Anthony Placid, the operation followed intelligence reports "concerning the disappearance of several foreign nationals within Nigeria under suspicious circumstances."

Police identified the arrested suspects as Abdul Ngaki, described as the principal suspect and syndicate leader, alongside Fatimah Kulibali, Ahmad Kasango, Sidibe Musa, Muhammad Dembele, Saidu Traore, Ali Koulibaly, Abdul Ngeki, Ahmed Sirma, Laya Bando, Aisha De...