NIGERIA Immigration Service (NIS) operatives have intercepted two suspects in Adamawa State carrying ₦34 million in cash, believed to be destined for a kidnapping syndicate.
The suspects were apprehended during a targeted operation, with preliminary investigations suggesting the money was intended to pay ransom for their allegedly abducted brother, according to State Comptroller Sani Sule-Jega.
Addressing journalists in Yola, the state capital, Sule-Jega revealed that the pair were stopped with the substantial sum of cash, raising immediate red flags for officers on the ground.
Migrants Found Hiding in Private Residence
In a separate operation, the Adamawa Command swooped on a private three-bedroom house in Rumde Baruw, Yola North Local Government Area, where they uncovered 17 undocumented migrants.
The operation yielded 13 Cameroonian nationals – eight males and five females – alongside four Chadian males, all of whom were residing illegally in the country.
Sule-Jega noted a concerning trend in the accommodation patterns of irregular migrants, who appear to be shifting away from hotels and conventional lodging in favour of private, unregistered residences to evade detection.
Intelligence-Led Operations Intensified
The Comptroller emphasised that the service is ramping up surveillance and intelligence-led operations to stay ahead of emerging migration patterns in the state.
“We are committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, improving migration management and strengthening border security,” Sule-Jega stated.
He appealed to the public to remain vigilant and share credible information with security agencies to help maintain peace across the state.
Suspects Handed to Police
The suspects and the recovered cash have been taken into custody, with the Comptroller General of Immigration ordering that both the individuals and exhibits be transferred to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and potential prosecution.
