Immigration Busts Transnational Crime Syndicate, Arrests 12, Rescues Two Victims

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has dismantled a transnational organised crime syndicate linked to the QNET/IGNITE network, arresting its alleged leader and 11 other suspects while rescuing two victims in coordinated operations across Lagos State.

The operation, according to the Service, followed actionable intelligence on trafficking syndicates operating in the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI AS Akinlabi, the NIS identified the alleged leader of the syndicate as Ouattra Adama, a Burkinabe national.

Akinlabi said Adama was arrested alongside 11 suspected facilitators comprising eight Liberians and three Cameroonians.

The Service also rescued two Liberian nationals believed to have fallen victim to the syndicate’s activities.

“Accordingly, the twelve (12) suspects and the two (2) victims have been transferred to the Service Headquarters for further investigation and necessary legal action,” Akinlabi said.

The NIS described the QNET/IGNITE network as a transnational organised criminal syndicate involved in fraudulent employment and business schemes linked to irregular migration.

It urged Nigerians and prospective migrants to verify offers of employment, education, business opportunities and migration through appropriate official channels before making financial commitments or travelling abroad.

“The arrest of the syndicate leader and other facilitators demonstrates Nigeria Immigration Service’s commitment to intelligence-driven Border Management,” the statement said.

The Service added that the operation “underscores the Service resolve to rid the country of all forms of irregular migration and transnational organized crimes, in tandem with the renewed hope agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.”

According to the NIS, investigations are continuing to identify other members of the network and possible victims across the country.