Nigeria Immigration Service apprehends 51 suspected irregular migrants in Nasarawa State 

In a statement released on Wednesday, NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, confirmed the arrests and provided further insight into the circumstances.

According to Akinlabi, the migrants were detained on Monday in a move that aims to uncover the full extent of any trafficking or smuggling activities they may have been involved in.

“The breakdown of the arrested migrants indicates 11 females and 40 males between the ages of 16 and 19. The arrested individuals have been taken into the custody of the service for further profiling and investigation,” Akinlabi noted.

The operation took place after credible intelligence led to the apprehension of the migrants, who were found without valid travel documents or residence permits.

Preliminary investigations suggest that they may have fallen victim to trafficking in persons (TIP) or smuggling of migrants (SOM).

Akinlabi emphasized that preliminary investigations suggest that the detained migrants may have been victims of human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks. These migrants were found to have no legal travel documents or permits to reside in Nigeria, which raises further concerns about their intended purpose and how they were transported into the country.

“This is to determine the circumstances of their migration and any potential involvement in trafficking or smuggling networks or syndicates,” he added.

“We will continue to work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to combat smuggling of migrants and counter trafficking in persons effectively,” Akinlabi stressed.

Akinlabi encouraged Nigerians to be vigilant and report any suspicious migration activities to the nearest NIS Command or formation.

He assured the public of the NIS’s dedication to safeguarding national security and managing migration in a lawful manner.

The Federal Government of Nigeria announced a three-month grace period, starting May 1, 2025, for irregular migrants to regularize their status, after which a nationwide crackdown will commence on August 1, 2025.

Migrants and companies are strongly advised to comply with these policies ahead of the August 1 enforcement deadline, marking a critical step in strengthening the country’s immigration laws.