NIS intercepts 17 irregular migrants in Adamawa State as immigration officers also arrest two suspected kidnappers carrying N34 million allegedly paid as ransom.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said it intercepted 17 undocumented migrants during an operation in Rumde Baru, Yola South Local Government Area.
The operation took place at a private residence, according to a statement from the Adamawa State Command.
The command said the migrants were found without the required documentation. Officers subsequently took them into custody for further investigation.
In a separate operation, NIS officers arrested two men suspected of involvement in kidnapping.
The officers identified the suspects as 55-year-old Alhaji Jaye and 34-year-old Buba Bello.
They arrested the pair on Sunday, 6 September 2026, while they allegedly possessed N34 million in cash.
During preliminary questioning, the suspects reportedly admitted that the money was intended as ransom for the release of a captive.
The NIS said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the cash and the alleged kidnapping.
The two arrests came as the immigration service stepped up operations against irregular migration and related criminal activities in Adamawa.
Meanwhile, the interception of the 17 migrants highlights the wider challenge of undocumented movement across Nigeria’s borders and communities.
The NIS has continued to conduct enforcement operations aimed at identifying people who enter or remain in the country without the required immigration documents.
However, authorities will need to establish the full circumstances surrounding both cases before drawing final conclusions.
The latest operations also underline the link between border management, migration control and public safety.
The NIS is expected to continue its investigation into the suspected kidnappers and the intercepted migrants. Further details may emerge as the authorities question those involved.
