NIS Arrests 12 Foreigners Over Alleged Human Trafficking, Fake Recruitment Scheme in Lagos
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has uncovered and dismantled an alleged international human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment network operating in Lagos State, arresting 12 foreign nationals linked to the operation.
The service also rescued two Liberian victims during the operation, which was carried out following intelligence reports on the activities of the suspected syndicate.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI A.S. Akinlabi, the NIS said the group allegedly lured foreign nationals into Nigeria with fake promises of employment and business opportunities through the QNET/IGNITE network.
The suspected leader of the syndicate was identified as Ouattra Adama, a Burkinabe national. He was arrested alongside 11 alleged accomplices, including eight Liberians and three Cameroonians.
The NIS said the suspects and the rescued victims have been transferred to the Service Headquarters in Abuja for further investigation and possible legal action.
According to the statement, the operation exposed a network allegedly involved in fraudulent business and employment schemes designed to exploit foreign nationals and facilitate irregular migration.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service has dismantled a fraudulent network marketing ring linked to the QNET/IGNITE group, arresting 12 suspects, including the alleged syndicate leader, and rescuing two victims in coordinated operations across Lagos State,” the statement said.
The service described the network as a transnational organised crime group, adding that investigations have revealed possible links to a wider international criminal network.
The NIS warned Nigerians and foreigners to be cautious when approached with job offers, education opportunities, business deals or migration arrangements, urging people to verify such opportunities through official channels before making payments or travelling.
The service said the arrests highlight its commitment to intelligence-led operations, border security and the fight against human trafficking, irregular migration and other forms of organised crime.
The NIS added that investigations are still ongoing to identify more members of the syndicate, uncover its full operations and locate other possible victims across Nigeria.
