- Safiu Kehinde
At least 51 illegal migrants of Malian origin have been apprehended by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in Nasarawa state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Service spokesperson, A.S Akinlabi.
According to the statement, the migrants were nabbed on Monday in New Nyanya area of Karu Local Government, of the state following a credible intelligence.
The arrested migrants comprising of 11 females and 40 males are aged between 16 and 19.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the Service revealed that they were without valid travel documents or residence permits.
This, according to the statement, suggested that the migrants may have been victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM).
However, the NIS said 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 any potential involvement of trafficking or smuggling networks or syndicates.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that
Nigeria’s borders are protected against illegal migration while upholding the rights of migrants who comply with the country’s immigration laws.
It also pledged to continuing working closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to combat smuggling of migrants and counter trafficking in persons effectively.
The NIS further reassured the general public of its unwavering commitment to National Security and Migration Management while encouraging citizens to report suspicious migration activities to the nearest NIS Commands and Formations.