NIS rescues 59 women, children from trafficking attempt in Borno

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rescued 59 women and children from a suspected human trafficking operation along the border in Borno State.

Borno State Comptroller of Immigration, Muktari Tanimu Musa, disclosed on Tuesday in Maiduguri that the victims were intercepted at Ngamboru, a border town near Cameroon, while allegedly being moved from Katsina State to N’Djamena, Chad.

Musa said the group was travelling with a suspected trafficking agent who reportedly lured them with promises of lucrative jobs abroad.

“After interviewing them, it became clear they were being trafficked. The agent deceived them with false employment offers, and many did not understand the risks,” he said.

He noted that the command had strengthened surveillance along the Maiduguri–Ngala corridor and was collaborating with the Borno State Government and border communities to curb trafficking activities.

Musa warned Nigerians to be wary of dubious foreign job offers, stressing that traffickers often exploit victims for criminal purposes. He added that improved cooperation with transport operators, security agencies, and community leaders has helped recent interceptions.

The rescued victims have been profiled and will be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further care and investigation.

He also urged the media to support public awareness efforts against irregular migration and human trafficking.