NIS arrests suspected human trafficker, rescues 59 women and children in Borno

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rescued 59 women and children who were being trafficked from Katsina State to N’Djamena, the capital of the Republic of Chad.

Announcing the development in Maiduguri on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Borno State Comptroller of Immigration, Muktari Tanimu Musa, said the victims were intercepted at the border town of Ngamboru, near Nigeria’s frontier with Cameroon.

He said the group was travelling with a suspected trafficking agent who allegedly lured them with promises of “good jobs” in Chad.

“After interviewing them, it became clear they were being trafficked,” Musa said.

“The agent deceived them with false employment offers. Many of the victims did not understand the risks involved.”

He said the command has intensified surveillance along the Maiduguri – Ngala axis and is working with the Borno State Government to strengthen border security and curb the movement of trafficked persons through the corridor.

Musa urged Nigerians to be cautious of individuals offering foreign job opportunities, especially those promoting so-called “white-collar jobs abroad.”

“We always encourage people to travel through proper visa procedures and migrate with dignity,” he said.

He added that legitimate employment opportunities exist within Nigeria and warned that traffickers often exploit victims for criminal activities, including organ harvesting.

The comptroller noted that trafficking networks sometimes operate with local support. 

“These activities are sometimes aided by community members. But recent breakthroughs came because of stronger cooperation with transport operators, drug control officers and community leaders in , Banki and Ngamboru Ngala,” he said.

He also highlighted his recent visits to border communities. 

“I have visited Banki and Ngamboru Ngala to meet chairmen and stakeholders, urging them to share timely intelligence with our officers,” he said.

The NIS has profiled the rescued victims and will hand them over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further care and investigation.

Musa appealed to media organisations to continue supporting public awareness efforts.

“The media play a crucial role in educating communities about the dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking. Their support is essential,” he said.