The Nigeria Immigration Service rescued 23 victims of human trafficking and other forms of exploitation while repatriating 99 foreigners for irregular migration between July and August 2026.
The figures were contained in the latest operational report of the NIS prepared for the Office of the National Security Adviser.
According to the report, seven victims were rescued in July, while another 16 were rescued in August following interventions at different locations, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Seme Border, Baji Patrol Post and other locations.
Some of the rescued victims were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for further care and investigation.
The report showed that 90 foreigners were repatriated in July, while nine others were repatriated in August.
The July figure comprised 38 nationals of Côte d’Ivoire, 33 Cameroonians, 15 Pakistanis, four Nigeriens, four Chadians, two Burkinabè, two Central Africans and one national of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The NIS said the cases were primarily linked to irregular migration.
NIS busts QNET-linked syndicate
The service also disclosed that it dismantled a fraudulent transnational organised crime syndicate linked to the QNET/Ignite group during the period.
According to the report, the operation resulted in the arrest of the syndicate leaders and 11 facilitators in Lagos and Ogun states.
The Service also stressed the importance of collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders in combating human trafficking, migrant smuggling and other cross-border crimes.
It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of trafficking and irregular migration to the appropriate authorities.
The NIS reiterated its commitment to enforcing Nigeria’s immigration laws while ensuring that victims of trafficking are protected and treated with dignity.
The latest operation underscores the growing efforts of Nigerian authorities to strengthen border management and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
