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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has dismantled a transnational organized crime syndicate linked to the deceptive QNET/IGNITE network, arresting 12 suspects and rescuing two victims during coordinated, intelligence-driven operations in Lagos State.
The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI) Mr. Akinsola Akinlabi, confirmed the breakthrough in an official statement released in Abuja.
Key Highlights of the Operation
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Syndicate Leader Nabbed: The alleged kingpin was identified as Ouattra Adama, a Burkinabe national.
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11 Facilitators Arrested: The co-suspects include eight Liberians and three Cameroonians.
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Victims Rescued: Two Liberian nationals, believed to have been lured into the scheme, were safely rescued.
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Next Steps: All 12 suspects and the two rescued victims have been transferred to the NIS Headquarters in Abuja for further investigation and legal action.
Inside the QNET/IGNITE Network
According to the NIS spokesman, the QNET/IGNITE network operates as a transnational criminal syndicate specializing in:
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Fraudulent employment and business schemes.
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Deceptive migration tactics targeting vulnerable individuals.
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Channeling victims into irregular migration pipelines.
“The arrest of the syndicate leader and facilitators demonstrates our commitment to intelligence-driven border management and combating transnational organized crime in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ” DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, SPRO said
Public Advisory & Ongoing Investigation
The NIS urged the public to exercise caution and verify all foreign employment, education, business, and migration offers with appropriate government authorities before making financial commitments or traveling abroad.
Investigations remain active to identify additional members of the network and trace potential victims across the country. The Service reiterated its firm resolve to secure Nigeria’s borders, combat human trafficking, and dismantle deceptive recruitment rings.
