NIS intercepts human trafficking attempt at Niger border

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officers in Jigawa State have intercepted six people suspected to be victims of human trafficking at the Babura Plantation Border Patrol Base, preventing their attempt to travel irregularly to Europe through Niger Republic and Libya.

The intercepted group — four young women aged 18 to 23 and two men aged 32 to 36 — are from Ogun, Ondo, Imo, Lagos and Enugu states.

They were stopped by immigration personnel as they tried to cross the border undetected during the festive period, a time when traffickers often exploit unsuspecting travellers with false promises of better opportunities abroad.

The individuals were handed over to officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, where authorities have begun efforts to identify those behind the smuggling attempt.

NAPTIP’s Jigawa State Commander, Abdulkadir Turajo, said the agency will support and rehabilitate the intercepted victims while ensuring that those responsible for their exploitation are brought to justice.

He urged members of the public to be cautious of deceptive offers, especially during holiday travel.

Turajo emphasised that the partnership between the NIS and NAPTIP is essential in combating human trafficking and encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities that could endanger vulnerable individuals.