The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rescued ten individuals suspected to be victims of human trafficking during a midnight operation in Babura Local Government Area, Jigawa State. The victims, comprising eight females and two males, were reportedly on a dangerous journey to Europe through irregular migration routes.
CIS Musa, the NIS Comptroller for Jigawa State, revealed the details during a press briefing at his Dutse office on Tuesday. He noted that the operation, codenamed “Operation Salama,” took place on January 12, 2025, at Naira Tsamiyar Kwance in Babura LGA.
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The victims, aged between 21 and 30 years, hailed from Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Imo states. According to Musa, they were intercepted while being trafficked from various locations in Nigeria to Kano, with plans to proceed to Babura. From there, the group intended to cross into Niger Republic, then Libya, and ultimately Europe via the perilous Mediterranean Sea.
Musa emphasized the risks associated with such irregular migration, warning that many fall prey to exploitation, abuse, or even death along these dangerous routes. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspected trafficking activities to the authorities.
The rescued individuals have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and further investigation. This handover aligns with the NIS’s commitment to partnering with relevant agencies to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable citizens.
The interception is part of the NIS’s broader efforts to curb human trafficking and irregular migration, which continue to pose significant challenges to national security and human rights. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to intensifying operations and raising awareness to prevent future cases.
