Human trafficker arrested , three victims rescued in Katsina

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested a 49-year-old suspected human trafficker, Mr Monday Adeoye Olanipekun, and rescued three victims in Katsina state.

The NIS comptroller in the state, Mr Ajisafe Joshua Olusola, disclosed this at a press conference on Tuesday in Katsina.

He said that the suspect was arrested by the operatives of the command at Charanchi Patrol Base, on Kano-Katsina Road, three days ago based on intelligence report.

According to him, investigation revealed that Olanipekun was in possession of ECOWAS travel certificate, which showed that he was a frequent traveler between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

“He has been in the illegal business of trafficking for long.

“Investigations further revealed that two human trafficking agents, currently residing in Europe introduced the victims to the suspect.

“The victims were asked to pay N160,000 as part payment for their trip to Niger Republic and then Europe, which they did,’’ he said.

The comptroller said that government had constructed and equipped an Immigration Forward Operational Base with modern facilities in the state.

He said that the facilities had boosted morale of their operatives and assisted the command in tracking down traffickers around its land borders.

He said that the suspect and his victims would be handed over to the NIS headquarters, Abuja for further investigations and necessary actions. (NAN)