The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has reiterated its commitment to combating migrant smuggling through a multi-faceted approach.
Ahmad Anka, the NIS comptroller in Jigawa, gave the assurance at a sensitisation and enlightenment campaign against irregular migration in Dutse on Saturday.
Mr Anka, represented by the assistant controller of immigration, Ahmad Abdullahi, said the service aimed to address the menace through a multi-faceted approach that involves prevention, enforcement and international cooperation.
He said the campaign with the theme “The Harsh Search for a Better Life: don’t be smuggled” was organised to help galvanise efforts to prevent and combat smuggling of migrants.
The comptroller added that it was also to protect migrants and address the root causes that contribute to the proliferation of smuggling networks.
“Smuggling of migrants is a serious transnational organised crime that poses significant challenges to governments around the world.
“Nigeria, as a country of origin, transit and destination for migrants, is particularly affected by the activities of migrant smugglers.
“In the light of this, Nigeria Immigration Service is committed to combating the smuggling of migrants through a multi-faceted approach that involves prevention, enforcement and international cooperation,” the comptroller said.
According to him, the service is working in collaboration with CSOs, media, faith-based organisations, unions, schools, and market leaders to educate the populace on the dangers associated with irregular migration.
Mr Anka said the command had, between January and October 2024, rescued 15 human trafficking victims en route to Libya, Qatar and Italy through the Nigeria-Niger border.
“With the current existing synergy, we’ve handed them over to NAPTIP for counselling and rehabilitation.
“Also, a suspect of human trafficking, Mr Peter Sylvester Aisedu, who was arrested and referred to NAPTIP on July 22, 2024, and has been prosecuted and sentenced to serve two years and six months imprisonment without option of fine,” Mr Anka said.
In his remarks, Bala Sabo, the head of the crime management department at Jigawa State Polytechnic, urged the government to focus on identifying the root cause of irregular migration among Nigerians for a lasting solution.
Mr Sabo also called on the government to ensure the provision of basic amenities, among others, to Nigerians as another way to discourage migration.