NIS arrests human trafficker, rescues female victims in Sokoto
The Nigeria Immigration Service has arrested a suspected human trafficker, Sirajo Illela, and rescued two female victims bound for Libya.
The comptroller of the Illela border command, Tony Akuneme, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
Mr Akuneme said the arrest was made at the suspect’s family residence in Yar Kara area, Illela LGA, on Wednesday, February 12.
He said the two victims, Maryam Akinosi, 40, from Ogun State, and Olatunde Abidemi, 26, from Oyo State, were found to be travelling without any valid documents.
He also said that the preliminary investigations revealed they were on their way to Libya.
“The suspect, Sirajo Illela, has been on the wanted list of both the Immigration and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for a long time. He is known for harbouring and supporting human trafficking through illegal routes in the Illela border,” he said.
While handing over the suspect and victims to NAPTIP, Mr Akuneme reiterated the commitment of the NIS, under the leadership of the comptroller general, Kemi Nandap, to fighting human trafficking and smuggling of migrants in Nigeria.
“We are committed to ensuring that our borders are secured and that those who engage in illegal activities, such as human trafficking, are brought to justice,” Mr Akuneme said.
The NAPTIP commander in Sokoto, who received the suspect and victims for further investigation and prosecution, thanked the NIS for their collaboration and commitment to fighting human trafficking.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Faith
Ramadan: JNI urges Muslims to intensify prayers to end ‘misfortune’, hardship in Nigeria
Mr Aliyu also urged Muslims to intensify acts of worship in the last 10 days of Ramadan.
NationWide
Nigerian crime gangs targeting British teenagers in sextortion scams: NCA
The victims are later threatened that their pictures would be shared with families, friends and school unless they pay about £100.
Politics
Udeh Okoye remains national secretary; Supreme Court ruling favours party internal decision: PDP
The PDP commends the Supreme Court for upholding the principle of the supremacy of the party in the management of its internal affairs.
States
Man remanded for defiling six-year-old girl in Lagos
Mr Olojede, whose address was not provided, is standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on defilement, indecent assault, child abuse and assault.
Politics
Rivers Emergency Rule: Otu, Okpebholo condemn South-South governors’ statement, back Tinubu
Mr Odey said the Cross River government was not consulted before the forum came out with its position.
Anti-Corruption
Governor Yusuf orders his aides to declare their assets
Governor Abba Yusuf has instructed all his political appointees to declare their assets.
