Immigration rescues two trafficking victims, arrests 12 suspects

The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has dismantled a suspected transnational criminal network linked to the notorious QNET/IGNITE syndicate, rescuing two alleged victims of human trafficking and arresting 12 suspected members, including the group’s alleged foreign kingpin, during coordinated operations in Lagos and Ogun states.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, DCI, Akinsola Akinlabi.

According to the statement, the suspected leader of the syndicate, identified as Ouattra Adama, a Burkinabé national, was arrested alongside 11 other suspected facilitators comprising eight Liberians and three Cameroonians.

Akinlabi said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence on the activities of trafficking syndicates involved in irregular migration and other forms of transnational organised crime.

During the operation, immigration operatives rescued two Liberian nationals believed to have been lured and exploited by the suspected syndicate through fraudulent schemes.

The statement noted that the arrested suspects and the rescued victims have been transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service headquarters in Abuja for further investigation and necessary legal action.

“The arrest of the syndicate leader and other facilitators demonstrates the Nigeria Immigration Service’s commitment to intelligence-driven border management and its resolve to rid the country of irregular migration and transnational organised crimes.

“Members of the public should verify all employment, educational, business and migration offers through appropriate channels before making financial commitments or embarking on international travel,” the statement read.

According to the NIS, the syndicate allegedly deceived unsuspecting individuals with false promises of employment, business opportunities and overseas migration before subjecting them to fraudulent and exploitative activities.

Akinlabi said the successful operation further reflects the Service’s determination to strengthen intelligence-led border management and combat irregular migration, human trafficking and other cross-border crimes in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.