By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA – The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has dismantled a transnational organised criminal syndicate allegedly operating under the guise of the QNET/IGNITE network, arresting 12 foreign nationals and rescuing two victims in coordinated operations across Lagos and Ogun States.
The Service said the operation was carried out following actionable intelligence on the activities of suspected trafficking and irregular migration syndicates operating in the two states.
According to the NIS, the alleged leader of the syndicate, Ouattra Adama, a Burkinabé national, was arrested alongside 11 suspected facilitators. Those arrested include eight Liberian nationals and three Cameroonian nationals.
The operation also led to the rescue of two Liberian nationals believed to be victims of the group’s illegal activities.
The Service disclosed that all 12 suspects, along with the two rescued victims, have been transferred to the NIS Headquarters in Abuja for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with Nigerian laws.
The NIS urged members of the public to exercise caution by verifying employment, educational, business and migration opportunities through appropriate government channels before making financial commitments or travelling abroad.
The Service said the successful operation reflects its commitment to intelligence-led border management and the fight against irregular migration, human trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime.
It added that the crackdown aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen national security and combat cross-border criminal activities under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement was signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, on August 4, 2026.
