The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, said it has successfully apprehended 51 irregular migrants of Malian origin on Monday.
It said the arrest was made on 31st March 2025, in new Nyanya area of Karu Local Government, Nasarawa State following a credible intelligence.
This was contained in a statement by ACI Akinsola Akinlabi
According to the statement, the breakdown of the arrested migrants indicates 11 females and forty 40 males with ages between 16 and 19.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the Service suggest the migrants may have been victims of Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, as they were found without valid travel documents or residence permits.
It said the arrested individuals have been taken into the custody of the Service for further profiling and investigation to determine the circumstances of their migration and any potential involvement in trafficking or smuggling networks or syndicates.
The Service said it remained committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s borders are protected against illegal migration while upholding the rights of migrants who comply with the country’s immigration laws.
It said it will continue to work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to combat smuggling of migrants and counter trafficking in persons effectively.
NIS reassured the general public of its unwavering commitment to National Security and Migration Management while encouraging citizens to report suspicious migration activities to the nearest NIS Commands and Formations
