The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it handed over 52 victims of trafficking to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Kebbi.

The NIS comptroller in the state, Rabi Bashir-Nuhu, said while addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday that the victims were intercepted in the last 17 months.

The briefing was part of activities marking NIS’ 60th anniversary.

“From February 2022, when I assumed office to date, the command has intercepted and handed over 52 Libya- bound victims of trafficking to NAPTIP in the state,” she said. 

Ms Bashir-Nuhu said the fight against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants was being conducted with the support of the International Organisation for Migration and NAPTIP.

On the anniversary, she said the NIS transformed from a department to a complete entity in 1963.

She listed the activities of NIS to include issuance of travel documents and tracking illegal migrants, among others.

The comptroller said the NIS had computerised its activities, including e-passport issuance, e-border protection and e-Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Cards.

“Border security and surveillance, also known as the electronic border (e-border), has made border security and surveillance seamless,” the comptroller added. 

(NAN)