The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), ‘Jibiya Border Command’ in Katsina State, has rescued no fewer than 150 suspected victims of human trafficking from January to date.
The Comptroller, Mr Haruna Suleiman-Zakirai, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of a two-day Anti Smuggling of Migrants Sensitisation on Thursday in Jibiya.
The Comptroller said that those suspects were apprehended in various patrol bases and areas under the command, following a tip-off.
“Whoever is traveling out of the country must have valid travel documents to be tendered to the immigration officers at a designated control post, or else be considered as an illegal immigrant.
“Even if a person has valid travel documents, but followed an illegal route to go out of the country, is also an illegal immigrant,” he stressed.
The Comptroller pointed out that the command has seven recognised control posts which are: Jibiya/Magama, Jibiya/Maje, Dankama, Zango, Mai’aduwa, Kongolon and Babban-Mutum in addition to Yardaje and Birnin-Kuka outposts.
He added that they also have 14 ‘patrol bases and areas’ to enable them discharge their mandate effectively.
“That is with a view to make the border communities more enlightened against anti smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons.
“The government loves its citizens, it doesn’t want anyone to fall victim of organ harvest, child labour, prostitution, recruitment by criminal elements among others.
“Anytime we intercept such persons, we sensitise them on the dangers associated with their action, and after the sensitisation, we normally hand them over to NAPTIP for reunion with their families,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to continue to be patriotic by obeying the laws of the land and remained united.
“We have to be patriotic to defend the interest of the country, we don’t have any other nation besides Nigeria, we should love our country, and have oneness.
“Whatever will touch the interest of the service in the country, we shouldn’t be party to it, we should support the leaders to make Nigeria more secured and prosperous,” he urged.
