The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says its operatives have apprehended 51 irregular migrants of Malian origin.
The Service’s Public Relations Officer, AS Akinlabi, said on Wednesday, that the migrants were apprehended at New Nyanya area of Karu local government area of Nasarawa state on Monday 31 March 2025, following receipt of credible intelligence.
According to him, preliminary investigation conducted by the Service suggests that the migrants, comprising of 11 females and 40 males between the ages of 16 and 19, may have been victims of Trafficking In Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM), as they were found without valid travel documents or residence permits.
“The arrested individuals have been taken into the custody of the Service for further profiling and investigation to determine the circumstances of their migration and potential involvement of trafficking or smuggling networks or syndicates”, Akinlabi stated, adding that the Service remains committed to ensuring that Nigerian borders are protected against illegal migrants while upholding the rights of migrants who comply with the countries immigration laws.
Akinlabi also stated that the Service continues to work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to combat smuggling of migrants and counter trafficking in persons effectively.
The NIS, while reassuring the general public of its unwavering commitment to National Security and Migration Management, encouraged citizens to report suspicious migration activities to the nearest NIS commands and formations.
