No fewer than 522 trafficked persons have been arrested within the past one year and handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficked Persons, (NAPTIP) the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has disclosed.
The Comptroller-General of the NIS, Wura-Ola Adepoju, who disclosed this, said 208 persons who are objects of migrant smuggling have been repatriated and reunited with their families in the country.
According to her, 12 suspected migrant smugglers arrested and investigated in connection with the cases would soon face prosecution.
She stated that the NIS would deploy Advanced Passenger Information Systems and drones to key borders across the country to prevent the influx of migrants, and suspected criminals and checkmate smuggling of persons.
Adepoju said: “Border security is a collective responsibility and if we get it right, our country will be more secure and safe. We are collaborating with other security agencies to ensure that our borders are safe and we will continue to share intelligence on the issue amongst ourselves.”
The Comptroller-General said the Service would collaborate with Chinese Technology giant, Huawei, to acquire non-weaponised drones and other sophisticated gadgets for surveillance of the country’s borders
She added that mechanisms have been put in place to overcome the challenges associated with contiguous borders where criminals who share the same culture and speak the same languages with locals take advantage of such to beat security.
Adepoju said the theme of the Anti-Smuggling Week “The Harsh Search for a Better Life: Don’t be Smuggled”, was chosen against the backdrop of the Japa Syndrome and the need to combat illicit migration from country to country.
She added: “Smuggling of Migrants is a serious transnational crime that poses significant challenges to governments around the world. Nigeria as a country of origin, transit and destination for migrants is particularly affected by the activities of migrant smugglers.
This illicit trade not only exploits vulnerable individuals and puts their lives at risk, but also undermines the integrity of our borders and national security.
“Being a global concern, migrant 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.”
She stated that the Service would combat the Smuggling of Migrants through a multifaceted approach involving prevention, enforcement and international cooperation.
Adepoju who said all the security agencies have agreed to share intelligence and work together to check illegal migration added that the NIS is collaborating with the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, faith-based organisations, schools markets, and union leaders to sensitize the populace about the dangers of irregular migration.
She added: “We recognise the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of irregular migration and the deceptive tactics used by smugglers to lure their victims.
“We are working in collaboration with other government agencies, civil society organisations, and the media to educate the public about the risks associated with irregular migration and the legal pathways available for safe and orderly migration.”
