The Nigeria Immigration Service, led by Caroline Wura-Adepoju, has handed over 522 suspected traffickers and their victims to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Wura-Adepoju emphasized the importance of enforcement in disrupting migrant smugglers’ activities, highlighting ongoing efforts to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals involved in migrant smuggling.
The service has implemented measures, including biometric identification and surveillance cameras, to enhance border security. Wura-Adepoju stressed that migrant smuggling is a serious transnational crime affecting Nigeria as a country of origin, transit, and destination.
The Nigeria Immigration Service is committed to a comprehensive approach involving prevention, enforcement, and international cooperation to combat this illicit trade.
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She said: “This year alone, we have arrested 12 suspected migrant smugglers. We have reunited and repatriated 208 objects of migrant smuggling. We are also investigating 12 cases of migrant smuggling. We have handed over 522 suspected traffickers/victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) to NAPTIP. We have also implemented measures to enhance border security and strengthen our immigration control mechanisms to detect and intercept perpetrators of this heinous crime.”
She added: “Smuggling of migrants is a serious transnational crime that poses significant challenges to governments around the world. Nigeria, as a country of origin, transit and destination for migrants, is particularly affected by the activities of migrant smugglers. This illicit trade not only exploits vulnerable individuals and puts their lives at risk, but also undermines the integrity of our borders and national security.
“Being a global concern, migrant smuggling requires our collective attention. It is a violation of human rights, putting individuals at risk of exploitation, abuse and even death. As a nation, Nigeria stands firm in its commitment to prevent and combat it, protecting the welfare and dignity of our citizens.
“In the light of this, Nigeria Immigration Service is committed to combating the smuggling of migrants through a multi-faceted approach that involves prevention, enforcement and international cooperation.”
