The Nigeria Immigration Service has arrested a Burkinabé national, Ouattra Adama, identified as the alleged leader of a transnational crime syndicate linked to QNET/IGNITE, and 11 suspected facilitators. Two victims were also rescued in the operation.
The arrests was sequel to actionable intelligence on human trafficking and irregular migration in Lagos and Ogun states, the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, said in a statement on Tuesday.
He said the 11 other suspects comprise eight Liberians and three Cameroonians.
The Service also disclosed that two Liberian nationals, believed to be victims of the syndicate, were rescued during the operation.
All 12 suspects and the two rescued victims have been transferred to the NIS Headquarters in Abuja for further investigation and prosecution.
Besides, the Service said the operation forms part of its sustained efforts to combat irregular migration and transnational organized crime, noting that the breakthrough demonstrates its commitment to intelligence-driven border management and national security.
It urged members of the public to verify employment, educational, business and migration opportunities through appropriate authorities before making financial commitments or embarking on international travel, warning that criminal syndicates continue to exploit unsuspecting victims through fraudulent schemes.
It reaffirmed its resolve to rid the country of irregular migration and transnational organized crime in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
