Immigration Dismantles Transnational Crime Syndicate, Arrests Burkinabé Kingpin, 11 Others, Rescues Two Victims

0

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has dismantled a transnational organized criminal syndicate linked to the QNET/IGNITE network, arresting its alleged leader, 11 suspected facilitators, and rescuing two victims in a major operation across Lagos and Ogun states.

The operation, driven by actionable intelligence on human trafficking and irregular migration, led to the arrest of Ouattra Adama, a Burkinabé national identified as the alleged leader of the syndicate.

Also arrested were 11 suspected facilitators comprising eight Liberians and three Cameroonians, the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Service disclosed that two Liberian nationals, believed to be victims of the syndicate’s activities, were rescued during the operation.

According to the NIS, all 12 suspects and the two rescued victims have been transferred to the Service Headquarters in Abuja for further investigation and appropriate legal action.

The Service said the operation forms part of its sustained efforts to combat irregular migration and transnational organized crime, noting that the breakthrough demonstrates its commitment to intelligence-driven border management and national security.

It urged members of the public to verify employment, educational, business and migration opportunities through appropriate authorities before making financial commitments or embarking on international travel, warning that criminal syndicates continue to exploit unsuspecting victims through fraudulent schemes.

The NIS reaffirmed its resolve to rid the country of irregular migration and transnational organized crime in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.