On Monday, September 21, 2026, the Benin's Police républicaine conducted an operation in the Nima neighborhood of Parakou, resulting in the rescue of 22 Nigerian nationals. The individuals were being held in a residence where they were allegedly recruited for activities related to the Qnet network. According to reports, the police received intelligence that led them to the location, where they found the 22 Nigerians.
The rescued individuals were reportedly lured from Nigeria by compatriots who promised them significant financial gains through Qnet activities. The police operation was carried out at dawn by officials from the Parakou second arrondissement commissariat. However, the alleged recruiters were not present at the scene and are now being sought by authorities on suspicion of organized fraud.
The 22 Nigerian nationals have been taken into custody by the police and will be handed over to the Brigade économique et financière (Bef) for further questioning. The investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding their recruitment, their arrival in Benin, and any financial transactions involved. The Bef will also verify if the victims were subjected to any form of exploitation.
This operation is part of the ongoing efforts by Benin's Police républicaine to crack down on networks involved in financial crimes and fraudulent practices. The authorities are urging citizens to exercise caution when approached with offers of quick and substantial financial gains, as these often disguise fraudulent activities.
The Qnet network has been linked to various cases of financial crimes and scams in the region. The police operation in Parakou serves as a reminder of the risks associated with such schemes and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any financial opportunity. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to identify the individuals behind the recruitment and to bring them to justice.
The rescued individuals will undergo further questioning to gather more information about the Qnet-linked activities and the individuals involved. The authorities are also working to raise awareness about the dangers of such scams and to prevent similar cases in the future.
The successful operation in Parakou demonstrates the commitment of Benin's authorities to combating financial crimes and protecting citizens from fraudulent activities. The case highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to tackle the complex networks involved in such crimes.
Key points
- 22 Nigerian nationals were rescued from a Qnet-linked residence in Parakou, Benin.
- The victims were allegedly lured by promises of significant financial gains through Qnet activities.
- The operation is part of Benin's ongoing efforts to crack down on financial crimes and fraudulent practices.
