By Palma Ileye
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has dismantled a transnational organized criminal syndicate linked to the QNET/IGNITE network, arresting 12 suspects, including the alleged leader, during coordinated operations in Lagos and Ogun States.
The Service disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, saying the operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration and transnational organized crime across the country.
According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of human trafficking syndicates operating in Lagos and Ogun States.
The NIS identified the alleged leader of the syndicate as Ouattra Adama, a male Burkinabé national.
He was arrested alongside 11 suspected facilitators made up of eight Liberians and three Cameroonians in various locations across Lagos.
The operation also led to the rescue of two Liberian nationals believed to be victims of the syndicate’s illegal activities.
The Service said all 12 suspects and the two rescued victims have been transferred to its headquarters in Abuja for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The NIS urged members of the public to verify all employment, education, business and migration opportunities through appropriate government channels before making financial commitments or travelling abroad.
