The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has apprehended 51 irregular migrants in New Nyanya, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The arrested individuals, all of Malian origin and aged between 17 and 25, were picked up from their hideouts after credible intelligence led authorities to their location.
According to Akinsola Akinlabi, NIS Public Relations Officer, the group comprises 11 females and 40 males.
Read also: Expatriate Quota: FG to clampdown on irregular migrants beginning Aug. 1
NIS noted that preliminary investigations suggest that the migrants may have fallen victim to human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
“During interrogation, none of them could produce valid travel documents or residence permit”, it added.
The NIS has since taken the migrants into custody for further profiling and investigation to determine their circumstances and potential links to trafficking networks.
The agency said it remained committed to intensifying efforts against irregular migration and human trafficking.
