The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Caroline Adepoju, announced the arrest of 522 human traffickers and their victims in 2023. This revelation came during her briefing to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, in anticipation of International Migrants Day on December 18.
Highlighting the significance of the day, Adepoju stressed the severity of migrant smuggling, labelling it as a critical transnational crime. Nigeria has increasingly become a country used by traffickers for origin, transit, and destination for migrants, making it a major concern for the government.
Describing the illicit trade as exploitative and perilous, she emphasized its detrimental impact on individuals’ lives and national security, calling for collective action to address it comprehensively.
Adepoju outlined the importance of combating migrant smuggling through a multifaceted approach that includes prevention, enforcement, and international cooperation. She underscored the NIS’s commitment to actively prevent crime, protect migrants’ welfare, and address the root causes fostering human smuggling networks.
The CG reiterated the significance of raising awareness about the dangers of irregular migration and the tactics used by smugglers to lure their victims. The NIS has engaged its personnel in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting individuals involved in migrant smuggling networks.
Moreover, the NIS has implemented advanced technologies like biometric identifications and surveillance cameras at key borders to strengthen immigration control mechanisms and detect perpetrators of this crime.
Highlighting the importance of international cooperation, Adepoju emphasized collaboration with regional and international partners to share information and disrupt transnational criminal networks operating across borders.
She called upon various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the media, to actively participate in the fight against human trafficking, stressing the collective responsibility in preventing the exploitation of migrants and ensuring border integrity.
As part of the Anti-smuggling of Migrants Week, the NIS is organizing various activities, including sensitization sessions, presentations, and a medical outreach at Sauka Primary School.
NAN reports that the NIS has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting migrants’ rights, ensuring their well-being, and advocating for safe and orderly migration.
NAN