NIS arrests 51 irregular migrants from Mali

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) arrested 51 irregular migrants from Mali.

The migrants, comprising 11 females and 40 males aged between 16 and 19, were apprehended in the New Nyanya area of Karu Local Government, Nasarawa State, on Monday, March 31, 2025.

Preliminary investigations suggest that these migrants may have fallen victim to human trafficking and smuggling, as they lacked valid travel documents and residence permits.

The Service Public Relations Officer, ACI AS Akinlabi, who confirmed the arrest said NIS has taken them into custody for further investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding their migration and potential involvement with trafficking or smuggling networks.

“The NIS remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s borders from illegal migration while upholding the rights of migrants who comply with the country’s immigration laws. They are working closely with relevant authorities to combat smuggling and human trafficking.”

He reassured the public of the NIS’s unwavering commitment to national security and migration management.