NIS Personnel nab human trafficker, rescues two Libya-bound women

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Illela Border Command, Sokoto State, has arrested a suspected human trafficker, Sirajo Illela, and rescued two women who were on their way to Libya.

The Comptroller of the Command, Mr. Tony Akuneme, made this known in a statement released by the Command Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Abdullahi Mohammed, on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Akuneme, the suspect was arrested at his family house in Yar Kara area, Illela Local Government, on Wednesday, February 12.

He explained that the two victims, Maryam Akinosi, 40, from Ogun State, and Olatunde Abidemi, 26, from Oyo State, were found without valid travel documents and were suspected to be heading to Libya.

He further revealed that the suspect, Sirajo Illela, had been on the wanted list of both the NIS and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for a long time.

“He is well known for helping traffickers and moving people illegally through the Illela border,” Akuneme said.

While handing over the suspect and victims to NAPTIP, Akuneme assured Nigerians that the NIS, under the leadership of Comptroller General Kemi Nandap, remains committed to stopping human trafficking and illegal migration.

“We will continue to protect our borders and ensure that anyone involved in human trafficking is brought to justice,” he added.

The NAPTIP Commander in Sokoto, who received the suspect and victims, thanked the NIS for their strong partnership in the fight against human trafficking and promised to continue investigations for possible prosecution.