Nigeria Immigration Service Thwarts Major Human Trafficking Operation in Borno
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has successfully intercepted a suspected human trafficking operation, rescuing fifty-nine vulnerable women and children who were being transported from Katsina State to N'Djamena, the capital of Chad. This significant rescue operation was announced by the Borno State Comptroller of Immigration, Muktari Tanimu Musa, during a press briefing held in Maiduguri on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Border Interception and Deceptive Recruitment Tactics
According to Comptroller Musa, the victims were intercepted at the border town of Ngamboru, located near Nigeria's frontier with Cameroon. The group was traveling with a suspected trafficking agent who had allegedly lured them with false promises of "good jobs" in Chad. "After interviewing them, it became clear they were being trafficked," Musa stated. "The agent deceived them with false employment offers. Many of the victims did not understand the risks involved."
The comptroller emphasized that this case highlights the dangerous tactics used by traffickers, who often exploit economic desperation by promoting so-called "white-collar jobs abroad." He urged Nigerians to exercise extreme caution when approached with such offers and to always verify opportunities through proper channels.
Enhanced Border Security and Community Collaboration
In response to this incident and the ongoing threat of human trafficking, the NIS Borno Command has intensified surveillance along the critical Maiduguri–Ngala axis. Musa revealed that the service is working closely with the Borno State Government to strengthen border security measures and curb the movement of trafficked persons through this corridor.
"These activities are sometimes aided by community members," Musa noted, acknowledging the complex nature of trafficking networks. However, he reported that recent breakthroughs have been achieved through stronger cooperation with various stakeholders. "Recent breakthroughs came because of stronger cooperation with transport operators, drug control officers and community leaders in Banki and Ngamboru Ngala," he explained.
To foster this collaboration further, Comptroller Musa has personally visited border communities, including Banki and Ngamboru Ngala, to meet with local chairmen and stakeholders. "I have visited Banki and Ngamboru Ngala to meet chairmen and stakeholders, urging them to share timely intelligence with our officers," he said, underscoring the importance of community-led intelligence in combating trafficking.
Victim Care and Public Awareness Initiatives
The NIS has already profiled the rescued victims and will be handing them over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further care, support, and investigation. This partnership ensures that the victims receive appropriate assistance and that the case is thoroughly investigated to dismantle the trafficking network.
Musa also issued a stern warning about the severe risks associated with human trafficking, noting that victims are often exploited for criminal activities, including organ harvesting. He encouraged Nigerians to pursue legitimate employment opportunities within the country and to always migrate through proper visa procedures, emphasizing "migrate with dignity."
Highlighting the role of media in this fight, the comptroller appealed to media organizations to continue supporting public awareness efforts. "The media play a crucial role in educating communities about the dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking. Their support is essential," he stated, calling for sustained campaigns to inform the public about these dangers.
This operation marks a significant achievement in Nigeria's ongoing battle against human trafficking, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between immigration authorities, government agencies, and local communities in protecting vulnerable citizens and securing the nation's borders.
