Immigration officers at the Ilela Border Command have thwarted a human trafficking attempt, rescuing two underage girls and apprehending a 25-year-old suspect, Rukaya Hassan.

The incident occurred at the Ilela border in Sokoto, as the girls were being smuggled into Niger Republic.

According to the PRO of the command, Abdullahi Muhammad, the suspect Rukaya Hassan confessed to receiving the girls from a woman in Sokoto called Maman Adnan, who paid for their transportation to Niger.

The girls, Nabila Ibrahim (17) and Zainab Ibrahim (15), all from Zuru LGA in Kebbi state, were allegedly destined for a restaurant in Niamey, Niger, without knowing the owner.

The Comptroller of Immigration, Tony Akuneme, personally intervened and invited the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to take custody of the victims and the suspected trafficker for further investigation and potential prosecution.

This swift action follows the Comptroller General of Immigration’s directive to combat smuggling and trafficking.

The Comptroller praised his officers for their diligence and promised rewards for outstanding performance.

This incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals.

The public is urged to report suspicious activities to the authorities.