The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Katsina Command,on Tuesday said it rescued 40 victims of human trafficking in Katsina State between January and May.
Mr. Muhammed Rabiu, Comptroller of Immigration in the state, disclosed this to newsmen in Katsina.
He said the affected persons were apprehended while trying to cross Kongolon-Babban-Mutum border to Niger Republic on their way to Europe.
Rabiu said the victims, between 18 and 30 years, did not possess valid travelling documents.
According to him, the victims were arrested at different border checkpoints.
Rabiu said female victims had disguised as villagers of the border communities while attempting to cross over.
“These people don’t know the implication of going to Europe, majority of them die on the way.
“Traffickers are criminal minded persons, they devise different means to perpetuate their acts; we are also equal to the tasks and we will continue to prevent them from travelling to Europe illegally,” he said.
He advised traffickers and their collaborators to have a change of mind and stop the illegal business.
He said the victims had been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons for necessary action.
Rabiu urged parents to prevent their children from becoming victims of human trafficking.
