The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Adamawa State Command, has arrested two members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered N34 million believed to be linked to a ransom payment.
The Kidnappers, identified as 55-year-old Jaye and 34-year-old Buba Bello, were apprehended during a clearance and intelligence-led operation conducted by immigration officers
According to the Immigration agency in a statement issued on Wednesday, the arrest formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal networks operating within Adamawa.
Following the arrests, the Comptroller-General of the NIS ordered that the suspects and the recovered N34 million be transferred to the Adamawa State Police Command.
The police are expected to conduct further investigations and determine the appropriate legal action.
Meanwhile, immigration officers carried out a separate operation at Rumde Baru in Yola South Local Government Area, where they intercepted 17 suspected irregular migrants.
The migrants were discovered inside a private three-bedroom residence after immigration authorities received intelligence about their presence at the property.
Officials said preliminary profiling established that 13 of the migrants were Cameroonian nationals, comprising eight men and five women. Four others were identified as Chadian nationals, all of them male.
The command noted that the incident could indicate a change in the way undocumented migrants seek accommodation.
Rather than relying mainly on hotels and other conventional facilities, some are now reportedly using private residences that may be difficult for authorities to monitor.
The Adamawa Immigration Command said it would intensify efforts to strengthen migration control, border security and protection of the state’s territory.
It also urged officers and members of the public to remain alert and provide useful information that could help security agencies respond quickly to emerging threats.