The Nigerian government is intensifying efforts to combat illegal immigration and organized crime at its borders, following the arrest of 51 illegal immigrants in Nasarawa State.
The arrested individuals, all from Mali and aged between 17 and 25, were detained by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in New Nyanya, Karu Local Government Area.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized the importance of international collaboration at a recent summit in London. “There is a need for collaboration of countries within the Sahel and West African sub-region for better international partnerships and information dissemination,” he said.
He stressed that proactive measures must be taken to prevent illegal immigration, adding that Nigeria has enhanced its border control systems through automation.
The NIS disclosed that the arrested immigrants, 11 of whom are female, may be victims of human trafficking and migrant smuggling. A.S. Akinlabi, NIS Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests and said, “Preliminary investigations indicate that they may have been victims of human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
None of them presented any valid travel documents or residence permits during interrogation.”
Tunji-Ojo also highlighted the global nature of organized immigration crimes, stating, “Organized immigration crimes are peculiar to any nation but cut across, hence the need for collaboration and shared solutions.”
This move is part of broader efforts to tighten border security as part of a larger international strategy discussed at the UK summit, attended by leaders from over 30 countries.