By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
In a decisive operation, the Jigawa State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) rescued 10 Nigerians from a suspected human trafficking network during a midnight patrol in Babura Local Government Area, a border region with the Niger Republic.
The victims, intercepted by the Operation Salama team at Tsamiyar Kwance on Sunday, were en route to Europe via illegal migration routes, according to the State Comptroller of Immigration, Mr. T. Musa.
The victims, comprising eight women and two men aged between 21 and 30, hailed from Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Imo states. They had been trafficked from their home states to Kano and then to Babura, with plans to cross into Niger Republic, travel through Libya, and reach Europe via the perilous Mediterranean route.
Among those rescued were,
Alatise Damilola, 29 (Oyo State),
Ayomide Adeyemi, 24 (Ondo State), Wisdom Chikwu Emeka, 29 (Imo State), Lateef Jumoke, 30 (Ondo State), Emyola Adeoye, 24 (Ogun State), Soneye Abigeal, 22 (Ogun State), Ogunleye Temitope, 29 (Ogun State), Osirowo Rebecca, 21 (Ogun State), Oniyide Kabirat, 27 (Ogun State) and Azizat Adaranijo, 26 (Ogun State)
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were lured with promises of a better life in Europe, unaware of the dangers of the route and the exploitative nature of human trafficking networks.
The Comptroller noted that these young Nigerians were vulnerable targets of traffickers exploiting economic hardships and the desire for greener pastures abroad.
The rescued victims have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and further investigation.
Efforts are underway to trace and dismantle the trafficking network responsible for their ordeal.
During a press briefing, Mr. Musa expressed alarm at the increasing cases of human trafficking and illegal migration in the state, calling for greater vigilance from families and communities.
“Parents and guardians must remain vigilant and monitor their children’s activities to prevent them from falling into the hands of traffickers,” he said.
The NIS reiterated its commitment to combating irregular migration and human trafficking through intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other agencies.
The rescue operation highlights the urgent need for more robust policies to address the root causes of human trafficking and illegal migration, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities.
The Immigration Service has called on the public to report any suspicious activities linked to human trafficking as part of a collective effort to eradicate the menace.
END