The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Jigawa State has rescued 10 individuals suspected to be victims of human trafficking.
The rescue operation, which took place in the Tsamiya Kwance area of Babura Local Government, was executed with the support of Operation Sakama.
The 10 persons, consisting of eight females and two males, are believed to have been trafficked from various parts of the Yoruba-speaking regions of Nigeria, including Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, and Imo states.
Their ages range from 22 to 29 years old. According to the NIS, the victims had embarked on a treacherous journey, which began in the southwest of Nigeria, through Kano, and then proceeded to Babura.
Their ultimate goal was to reach Niger Republic and subsequently make their way to Libya via the Mediterranean Sea, with hopes of reaching Europe.
The arrested suspects include Alatise Bamilola, 29, from Oyo; Ayomide Adeyemi, 24, from Ondo; Wisdom Chikwu Emeka, 29, from Imo; Lateef Jimoke, 30, from Ondo; Amyola Adeoye, 24, from Ogun; and Senaye Abigeal, 29, from Ogun. Other individuals rescued were Osirowo Temitope, 29, from Ogun; Oniyide Kabirat, 27, from Ogun; and Azizat Asaranijo, 26, from Ogun.
During interrogation, all of the suspects confessed that they had been lured by traffickers with promises of better opportunities abroad, only to realize they were being taken on a perilous and illegal journey.
The suspects had been making their way to Niger Republic, planning to cross the Sahara Desert and ultimately board the Mediterranean-bound boats to reach Europe.
The State Controller of Immigration,T.A. Musa appealed to parents to be vigilant in protecting their children from traffickers who prey on vulnerable youths with false promises of a better life outside Nigeria.
He warned of the dangerous consequences of attempting to travel through illegal routes, emphasizing the perilous conditions encountered during such journeys, particularly in crossing the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.
Musa further urged parents to ensure that their children do not fall victim to deceitful individuals promising quick fixes to their financial problems, as the risks of such illegal travels far outweigh any perceived benefits.