The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Jibia Border Command, has handed over 22 suspected victims of human trafficking to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Katsina State.

The comptroller of the command, Haruna Zakirai, disclosed this to journalists on Friday in Daura, Katsina.

He said the victims, comprising 11 females and 11 males, were from different parts of the country, including Lagos, Osun, Rivers, Kwara, Katsina, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with ages ranging from 17 to 35 years.

According to the comptroller, the command had also intercepted one person who claimed to be a Togolese national.

Mr Zakirai said the victims were intercepted at an uncompleted building in Mai-Bara village, Zango Local Government Area of Katsina State, a location identified as a black spot point for irregular migrants preparing for onward movement.

He explained that the victims were being trafficked through irregular routes to Libya and subsequently to Europe in search of better economic opportunities.

The comptroller reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations and strengthening collaboration with all the relevant stakeholders to curb human trafficking, migrants’ smuggling, and other transborder crimes.

He commended the command’s officers for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication to duty.

Mr Zakirai also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their support and commitment to national security.

(NAN)