In a statement to a news agency on Thursday, Assistant Comptroller in charge of National Insurance Scheme in Kano State, Mr. A T Yayaji confirmed this news.
The victims were rescued on April 26 at about 1:30 p.m, by personnel from the service when they arrived at Zaria Road and Kurna/Rijiyar Lemo along Kano-Katsina road.
“The victims were rescued by officers and men of Operation Squad (ANTI-SOM) Unit following an intelligent report received of an unusual suspected movement of migrant smuggling.
“None of the victims had any travel documents and it is a clear attempt of an illegal border crossing,” he said.
According to Yayaji, the victims were intercepted while on their way to Libya through Niger Republic for greener pasture.
He said that the victims came from various states in Nigeria, including Edo, Ogun, Oyo and Delta. After being reunited with their families they would be put through counselling by the National Agency for Trafficking Persons (NAPTIP).
Yajaji urged residents of the state to report cases of trafficking and other related criminal acts, and at the same time advised parents not to send their children away in search for work in another country; this way they could help protect them against slavery or organ harvest.
