Nigeria Immigration Service Dismantles Transnational Crime Syndicate, Arrests 12 Foreign Suspects

Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has dismantled a transnational organised crime syndicate allegedly linked to the QNET/IGNITE network, arresting 12 foreign suspects and rescuing two victims during coordinated operations in Lagos and Ogun States.

The operation, according to the Service, was carried out following credible intelligence on suspected human trafficking and other transnational criminal activities across the two states.

In a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, the NIS disclosed that the suspects comprise one Burkinabé national, believed to be the leader of the syndicate, eight Liberian nationals, and three Cameroonian nationals.

The suspects were arrested at different locations in Lagos as part of an intelligence-driven operation aimed at disrupting the activities of the criminal network.

The Immigration Service stated that the two rescued victims, alongside the arrested suspects, have been transferred to the NIS Headquarters for further investigation and appropriate legal action.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to combating transnational organised crime, human trafficking, and other migration-related offences through intelligence gathering and collaboration with relevant security agencies.

The NIS also urged Nigerians and foreign nationals to exercise caution when responding to offers of employment, education, business opportunities, or migration schemes.

According to the Service, members of the public should always verify such offers through the appropriate government agencies and legitimate channels before travelling abroad or making financial commitments.

The Nigeria Immigration Service reiterated that it remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s borders, safeguarding migrants, and dismantling criminal networks that exploit vulnerable persons through fraudulent recruitment and trafficking schemes.