Syndicate members linked to the QNET/IGNITE network were arrested after the Nigeria Immigration Service dismantled a transnational organised crime ring in Lagos, rescuing two victims and launching further investigations.
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has dismantled a transnational organised crime syndicate linked to the QNET/IGNITE network, arresting 12 suspects, including the alleged kingpin, and rescuing two victims during coordinated operations in Lagos State.
The Service Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI) Akinsola Akinlabi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to Akinlabi, the operation followed actionable intelligence on the activities of trafficking syndicates operating within Lagos State.
He identified the alleged leader of the syndicate as Ouattra Adama, a Burkinabe national, who was arrested alongside 11 suspected facilitators.
The suspects comprise eight Liberian nationals and three Cameroonian nationals.
The operation also led to the rescue of two Liberian nationals believed to have fallen victim to the syndicate’s fraudulent activities.
“Accordingly, the twelve suspects and the two victims have been transferred to the Service Headquarters for further investigation and necessary legal action,” Akinlabi said.
He described the QNET/IGNITE network as a transnational organised criminal syndicate involved in fraudulent employment and business schemes that are closely linked to irregular migration.
The NIS urged members of the public to verify employment, education, business and migration opportunities through appropriate government authorities before making financial commitments or travelling abroad.
Akinlabi said the successful operation reflects the Service’s commitment to intelligence-driven border management and the fight against transnational organised crime.
He added that the operation aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration by strengthening efforts to combat irregular migration, human trafficking and other cross-border criminal activities.
The NIS spokesman said investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the criminal network and locate additional victims across the country.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthening border security, dismantling organised criminal networks and protecting vulnerable persons from exploitation through deceptive migration, employment and business schemes.
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