Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested 522 suspected human traffickers and rescued their victims in 2023, the comptroller-general, Mrs Caroline Adepoju, has said.
Adepoju made this known to newsmen yesterday in Abuja when she spoke on the activities lined up to mark the International Migrants Day on December 18.
She said the traffickers and victims were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
The NIS boss described smuggling of migrants as a serious transnational crime that poses significant challenges to governments around the world, including Nigeria which is being used by traffickers as a country of origin, transit and destination for migrants.
Adepoju said that the illicit trade not only exploited vulnerable individuals and put their lives at risk, but also undermine the integrity of national borders and security.
She, therefore, said the day was meant to galvanise efforts to prevent and combat the crime, protect migrants and address the root causes and factors that contributed to the proliferation of human smuggling networks.
“Migrants smuggling requires our collective attention. It is a violation of human rights; putting individuals at risk of exploitation, abuse and even death.
“As a nation, Nigeria stands firm in its commitment to prevent and combat it, protecting the welfare and dignity of our citizens.
“In the light of this, NIS is committed to combating the smuggling of migrants through a multi-faceted approach that involves prevention, enforcement and international cooperation,” the CG said.
Adepoju, however, said that preventive efforts were crucial in addressing the root causes of migrant smuggling.
”We recognise the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of irregular migration and the deceptive tactics used by smugglers to lure their victims.
“Our personnel are actively engaged in identifying, investigating and prosecuting individuals and criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling,” she emphasised.
The NIS boss said that the service had also implemented measures to enhance border security and strengthen immigration control mechanisms to detect and intercept perpetrators of the heinous crime.
Adepoju said technologies like biometric identifications, surveillance cameras at key borders, and advanced Passenger Information System, were employed by the Service to deter the smuggling of migrants across Nigeria borders. NAN
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