Five Nigerian nationals have been arrested by Libyan authorities for allegedly operating a prostitution ring in Benghazi, Libya.
The suspects, consisting of one man and four women, were arrested during a raid carried out by the Ras Abidah Police Department in the Salmani area of Benghazi, following complaints from residents about suspicious activities linked to undocumented migrants.
Migrant Rescue Watch confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Wednesday, saying the operation also led to the rescue of a child found with one of the female suspects.
“Libya 20.06.25 – Ras Abidah Police Dept. in response to public complaints raided a house in Salmani area (Benghazi) used by migrants for prostitution. During op police arrested 1 male and 4 females (1 with child) of Nigerian nationality. All referred to DCIM for legal action,” the organisation stated.
Authorities said the house was being used as a brothel by irregular migrants, adding that the operation became necessary due to rising concerns over prostitution-related activities in the neighbourhood.
The five suspects have been transferred to the Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) for further investigation and legal procedures.
Libya has remained a major transit route for migrants hoping to cross into Europe, with many facing exploitation, human trafficking, and abuse along the journey. This latest arrest reflects the growing tension around irregular migration and security concerns in the North African country.
The identities of the suspects and the welfare status of the child were yet to be disclosed as of press time.
