The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Illela Border Command, Sokoto State has arrested a suspected human trafficker in Sokoto State and rescued two female victims bound for Libya.
The Comptroller of the command, Mr Tony Akuneme said this in a statement issued by the Command Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Abdullahi Mohammed on Wednesday, Feb. 12, in Abuja.
Akuneme said that the suspect, identified as Sirajo Illela, was arrested at his family residence in Yar Kara area, Illela Local Government on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
He said that the two victims, Maryam Akinosi, 40, from Ogun State, and Olatunde Abidemi, 26, from Oyo State, were found to be travelling without any valid documents.
He also said that the preliminary investigations revealed that they were on their way to Libya.
“The suspect, Sirajo Illela, has been on the wanted list of both the Immigration and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for a long time.
“He is known for harbouring and supporting human trafficking through illegal routes in the Illela border,” he said.
While handing over the suspect and victims to NAPTIP, Akuneme reiterated the commitment of the NIS under the leadership of the Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap to fighting human trafficking and smuggling of migrants in Nigeria.