IMMIGRATION: Lagos Seaport Command Nabs Seven Females Over Migrant Smuggling Attempt To Burkani Faso

...NIS Hands Them Over To Plateau State Govt 

Operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service ( NIS), Lagos Seaports and Marine Command has foiled an attempted smuggling of seven Nigerian girls to Burkina Faso on Sunday, 12th November, 2023 at about 1900 hours via the waterways.

The prime suspect, Miss Helen Dandam Nanbyen (26) hails from Wadata village in

Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Friday, Comptroller, Lagos Seaports and Marine Command NIS, Mohammed Saddiq disclosed that the suspects had been under the command’s radar for about two months following intelligence gathered by its operatives which in turn  led to their arrest by Badagry, Marine Border Patrol Team along Pashi waterway bordering Nigeria and Benin Republic.

The Comptroller stated that It was uncovered during the course of investigation that the seven  smuggled victims whose ages range from 19 to 23 hail from Langtang North Local

Government Area of Plateau State.

According to the Comptroller , It is important to state that the girls willfully consented to the journey under false identities with intent to indulging in prostitution while in their country of destination.

He noted that the suspects neither have any valid travel documents nor financial means

to sustain themselves during the journey.

The Immigration boss while giving vivid knowledge of their ordeal, affirmed that : “Narrating her role in the illicit business,

Miss Dandam admitted her involvement in prostitution and facilitating the transportation of potential sex workers into Burkina Faso with the support of her Madam, an indigene of Edo State who operates a Beer Parlour in Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso capital.

“She also admitted working with one Miss. Ella whom she claimed recruited four out of the girls but she is currently at large.”

Saddiq maintained that the arrest is a fallout of the Command ‘s renewed commitment to the directive of the Ag, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-ola Adepoju toward curbing migrant smuggling, human trafficking and all forms of

trans-border crimes within the maritime space.

“I want to use this medium to commend the role of the intelligence community in

this endeavor. I also call on parents to be more concerned about their children’s

activities,”he expressed.

The Immigration boss further disclosed that illegal migrantion and human trafficking via the waterways have continued to increase,  noting that the service will continue to patrol and police the riverine communities against the backdrop of discouraging the Illicit acts.

Based on the directive from the Ag, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-ola Adepoju, the Lagos Seaport and Marine Command boss also disclosed that the females will be handed over to the Plateau State Government thus, they will be reunited with their families and love ones.

Miss Helen Dandam Nanbyen who spoke with newsmen said that she had travel to Burkina Faso once adding that her madam had assured them that bartender job is available for them over their in Ouagadougou.

She admitted of spearheading the voyage of the females attempt to Burkina Faso via the waterways from Lagos.

Another female who spoke with name withheld expressed regret on the attempt migration to Burkina Faso saying that she never knew that the trip will end up in Burkina Faso; rather she was told that there is Pub jobs for them in Lagos State.

However , representatives from Plateau State led by Mr Emmanuel Sebu from the Liaison Office received the females and he’s expected to hand them over to the state governor.