The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has arrested 51 irregular migrants from Mali in Karu LGA of Nasarawa state.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Akinsola Akinlabi, the immigration spokesperson, said the migrants are 11 females and 40 males aged between 16 and 19.
Akinlabi said preliminary investigation revealed that the migrants were “victims of trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM)”.
The immigration spokesperson added that they were found without travel documents or residence permits.
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“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 statement reads.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed 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.
“The service continues to work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to combat smuggling of migrants and counter trafficking in persons effectively.
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“The NIS reassures 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.”
