No fewer than thirteen victims of human trafficking have been rescued by the Katsina State Police Command in the Mashi Local Government Area of the state.

The PUNCH reports that at least two suspected kidnappers were arrested while transporting the victims who include ten women and three men who are all from the Southern part of the country.

Confirming the development, spokesman for the Katsina police command, SP Gambo Isah, disclosed that the victims were being taken to Libya through the Niger Republic when the police team intercepted them.

He said, “When our operatives intercepted them( the victims and the suspected traffickers) at Mashi,they claimed to be on their way to Libya as some agents were already waiting for them there. We shall however take the victims to the hospital for medical check-up and thereafter contact their relatives. The two suspected traffickers would be subjected to further investigation to see whether we can nail other members of their gang.”

The rescued victims are Taibat Bello,2 (Kwara state);Bukola Martin,27(Ondo );Mansura Azziz,21(Osun );Funmilayo Adetunji,18(Ondo) ;Emel Oluchi,24(Anambra);Zainab Ala,23(Delta);Gift Uche,,19(Lagos);Tayo James,19(Lagos);Nafisa Asimiu,21(Lagos);Oriyomi Abdul,24(Ogun);James Olusegun,24(male,Benue);Adetunji( no surname),36(male ,Lagos) and Emmanuel Gabriel,21(male,Akwa Ibom).

The police spokesman gave the names of the two suspected traffickers as Salman Sani,35 and Muntari Magaji,35 who are both from Babua Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

Magaji ,in an interview with newsmen,disclosed that he and his colleague were working for another traffickers who is based in Libya.

He said the victims had not paid any money for the botched trip,adding that the arrangement is for them( the victims) to work for a year in Libya to offset their bills.

One of the rescued victims, Taibat Bello said situation in Nigeria forced her to take the step.

She said” I have been assured of getting a good job in Libya ,hence my decision to consider travelling there. It is also true that we agreed to offset our bills to our agents afternoon we begin work in Libya.”