Nigeria Immigrations Service (NIS) has handed over 522 suspected traffickers and their victims to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
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Immigration boss, Caroline Wura-Adepoju, disclosed this during a briefing on Migrants Anti-Smuggling Week, at NIS headquarters, Abuja.
She noted that enforcement is important in disrupting the activities of migrant smugglers and holding them accountable for their criminal actions.

According to her, Immigration operatives are actively engaged in identifying, investigating and prosecuting individuals and criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling.

She said: “This year alone, we have the arrested 12 suspected migrant smugglers. We have reunited and repatriated 208 objects of migrant smuggling. We are also investigating 12 cases of migrant smuggling. We have handed over 522 suspected traffickers/victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) to NAPTIP. We have also implemented measures to enhance border security and strengthen our immigration control mechanisms to detect and intercept perpetrators of this heinous crime.”

She explained that technologies like biometric identification, surveillance cameras at key borders, Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), are emplaced by the service to deter the smuggling of migrants across Nigerian borders.

She added: “Smuggling of migrants is a serious transnational crime that poses significant challenges to governments around the world. Nigeria, as a country of origin, transit and destination for migrants, is particularly affected by the activities of migrant smugglers. This illicit trade not only exploits vulnerable individuals and puts their lives at risk, but also undermines the integrity of our borders and national security.

“Being a global concern, migrant smuggling requires our collective attention. It is a violation of human rights, putting individuals at risk of exploitation, abuse and even death. As a nation, Nigeria stands firm in its commitment to prevent and combat it, protecting the welfare and dignity of our citizens.

“In the light of this, Nigeria Immigration Service is committed to combating the smuggling of migrants through a multi-faceted approach that involves prevention, enforcement and international cooperation.”
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