The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has apprehended 51 irregular migrants in the New Nyanya area of Karu Local Government, Nasarawa State, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The arrest was made following credible intelligence received by NIS officials, highlighting the increasing concern over illegal migration and human trafficking networks operating in the region.
The migrants, aged between 17 and 25 years, were reportedly intercepted at their hideouts in New Nyanya, where they had allegedly entered Nigeria from Mali without proper documentation. Among those arrested, 11 were females, while 40 were males. The NIS has confirmed the arrest and is currently conducting further investigations into the matter.
According to NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, the irregular migrants had no formal travel or residence permits, which is a clear violation of Nigerian immigration laws. Preliminary investigations by NIS officials suggest that these individuals may have been victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM), both serious crimes that are prevalent across borders in West Africa.
Akinlabi stated, “None of the migrants presented any valid travel documents or residence permits when they were interrogated. It is evident that they have entered the country irregularly and without following the legal processes.”
The NIS has since taken the migrants into custody, where they are undergoing further profiling and investigation to uncover the full extent of their illegal entry and any potential connections to human trafficking or migrant smuggling networks.
This operation is part of the ongoing efforts by the NIS to combat illegal migration and human trafficking in Nigeria, which have become major security and human rights concerns in recent years. The NIS has stepped up surveillance and enforcement in various parts of the country, especially in areas close to international borders like Karu, which shares proximity with the Federal Capital Territory.
The Nigerian government has faced increasing pressure from international organizations and advocacy groups to strengthen measures aimed at curbing human trafficking and illegal migration, which often leaves vulnerable individuals exploited by criminal networks. In response to these concerns, the NIS has been working closely with security agencies and regional partners to prevent such illicit activities.
The migrants arrested in New Nyanya are expected to be fully investigated to determine the circumstances of their entry into Nigeria, as well as the role played by any trafficking or smuggling syndicates. The NIS spokesperson has emphasized the importance of identifying and dismantling these illegal networks, which often prey on young, vulnerable individuals seeking better opportunities abroad.
Akinlabi also warned that the NIS would continue to heighten its vigilance in border areas and across the country to ensure that irregular migration is curbed and that those responsible for trafficking or smuggling migrants face the full force of the law. He added that the NIS is committed to ensuring the safety and security of both Nigerian citizens and foreign nationals residing in the country legally.
“The NIS will not relent in its efforts to ensure that Nigeria remains a safe and secure place for those who enter the country legally, while also preventing criminals from exploiting vulnerable migrants,” he stated.
The issue of irregular migration and trafficking is particularly significant in the context of Nigeria’s regional role in West Africa, where many individuals from neighboring countries often attempt to cross into Nigeria in search of better economic prospects or to escape challenging conditions in their home countries. Nigeria’s immigration policies are vital not only for national security but also for upholding human rights and protecting the dignity of migrants.
NIS officials have also raised concerns about the increasing use of Nigeria as a transit point for migrants who are being trafficked to other countries in the region, especially Europe. Many of these individuals are reportedly promised better opportunities but end up trapped in exploitative conditions, often subjected to abuse and forced labor.
In light of this, the NIS has reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling by working with international organizations, local authorities, and other stakeholders. The service has pledged to continue strengthening its internal operations to ensure that the country does not become a haven for illicit migration activities.
The arrested migrants will likely undergo a thorough investigation, which could lead to deportation for those who have no legal standing in the country. However, the NIS has also indicated that support may be extended to those who are found to be victims of human trafficking, as part of efforts to assist individuals in vulnerable situations and ensure that they are not further exploited by criminal networks.
The arrest of these 51 irregular migrants serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in managing migration flows and combating the dangers of human trafficking. It also highlights the need for continued collaboration among various government agencies, as well as international bodies, to address the complex issue of illegal migration across West Africa.
As the investigation continues, the NIS has urged Nigerians and foreigners alike to comply with the country’s immigration laws and report any suspicious activities that may be linked to human trafficking or irregular migration. The agency’s commitment to enforcing immigration regulations remains strong, with the aim of maintaining Nigeria’s security while protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
