By Ibironke Ariyo
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Illela Border Command, Sokoto State, has arrested a suspected human trafficker, Sirajo Illela, and rescued two female victims who were on their way to Libya
The Comptroller. Mr. Tony Akuneme, stated this in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by the Command Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Abdullahi Mohammed.
Akuneme said the arrest took place on Wednesday, February 12 at the suspect’s family home in Yar Kara area of Illela Local Government Area.
He said the two victims, Maryam Akinosi, 40, from Ogun State, and Olatunde Abidemi, 26, from Oyo State, traveled without valid documents.
He also said preliminary investigations had shown that they were bound for Libya.
“The suspect, Sirajo Illela, has long been on the wanted list of the National Agency for Immigration and the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
“He is known to have promoted and facilitated human trafficking through illegal channels at the Illela border,” he said.
In handing over the suspect and the victims to NAPTIP, Akuneme reiterated the commitment of the NIS under the leadership of Kemi Nandap to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Nigeria.
“We are committed to ensuring that our borders are secure and those involved in illegal activities such as human trafficking are brought to justice,” Akuneme said.
The NAPTIP Commander in Sokoto, who received the suspect and the victims for further investigation and prosecution, thanked the NIS for its cooperation and commitment in the fight against human trafficking.
