Libyan Police rescue Nigerian woman, arrest kidnap gang in Surman raid

Authorities in Libya have rescued a Nigerian woman who was allegedly abducted by a kidnap gang in Surman, a city in the Tripolitania region of northwestern Libya.

The successful operation was carried out by Libya’s Joint Police Forces on Monday, June 30, 2025, following actionable intelligence.

According to Migrant Rescue Watch (MRW), the officers stormed a suspected hideout in Surman where the kidnappers—described as sub-Saharan migrants—were holding the victim and demanding a ransom for her release.

The gang was swiftly overpowered and arrested, while the Nigerian woman was freed unharmed.

In a post shared on its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, MRW confirmed the development and released a video showing part of the police operation.

“Joint Police Forces, in response to a kidnapping report of a Nigerian woman, carried out a raid on a location in Surman and arrested a gang of sub-Saharan migrants who demanded ransom in exchange for her release,” the group posted.

“During the police operation, the victim was released unharmed and the perpetrators referred to public prosecution for legal action.”

The identities of the suspects have not been disclosed, but authorities say they have been remanded in custody pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation by the Libyan public prosecution.

The incident is the latest in a series of reports highlighting the vulnerability of African migrants, especially women, in parts of Libya.

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Surman and other cities in the Tripolitania region have been flagged by humanitarian groups as hotspots for human trafficking and migrant detention.

Libya, a major transit point for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, has been plagued by reports of abductions, ransom demands, and abuse at the hands of both smugglers and armed groups.

“This case underscores the urgent need for greater international cooperation to protect migrants trapped in transit countries like Libya,” said Dr. Halima Bello, a migration and human rights researcher. “Many are victims of exploitation, often abducted by criminal gangs who see them as ransom targets.”

As of press time, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) had not issued an official statement on the matter. However, migrant advocacy groups have called on the Nigerian government to investigate and ensure the safe return of the rescued woman.

MRW, a monitoring platform that tracks migrant abuse and law enforcement efforts in North Africa, has praised the Libyan police for acting swiftly and preventing the situation from escalating.

The incident also reignites calls for better protective frameworks and legal migration channels for Africans fleeing poverty, conflict, or repression and falling prey to transnational criminal networks.

The arrested suspects are expected to face prosecution under Libyan law, while the rescued victim is being offered assistance by local authorities and humanitarian organizations.

The case has drawn renewed attention to the dangers faced by migrants, particularly women, as they navigate perilous routes through North Africa in pursuit of better lives.