Arrested suspected members of the transnational organised crime syndicate linked to the QNET/IGNITE network. Photo: Nigeria Immigration Service

The Nigeria Immigration Service has dismantled a “transnational organised crime syndicate” linked to the QNET/IGNITE network, arresting 12 suspects, including the alleged leader, and rescuing two victims during coordinated operations in Lagos State.

A statement obtained by PUNCH Online, issued on Tuesday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Akinsola Akinlabi, said the operation followed actionable intelligence on a trafficking syndicate operating in the state.

“One Ouattra Adama, a Burkinabe national identified as the alleged leader of the QNET/IGNITE syndicate, was arrested alongside 11 other suspected facilitators. The facilitators comprise eight Liberians and three Cameroonians”, the statement partly read.

The statement added that the operation also led to the rescue of two Liberian nationals identified as victims of the syndicate’s activities.

“Accordingly, the twelve (12) suspects and the two (2) victims have been transferred to the Service Headquarters for further investigation and necessary legal action,” Akinlabi stated.

The NIS explained that the QNET/IGNITE network is a transnational organised criminal syndicate involved in fraudulent employment and business schemes linked to irregular migration.

It urged members of the public to “Verify all offers of employment, education, business, and migration through appropriate channels before making financial commitments or embarking on international travel.”

The statement added, “The arrest of the syndicate leader and other facilitators demonstrates Nigeria Immigration Service’s commitment to intelligence-driven Border Management.

“The operation underscores the Service resolve to rid the country of all forms of irregular migration and transnational organised crimes, in tandem with the renewed hope agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.”

The Service said investigations were ongoing to identify other members of the network and possible victims across the country.

The QNET network has repeatedly come under scrutiny in several countries over allegations that criminal syndicates exploit its name to lure unsuspecting job seekers and prospective migrants with false promises of lucrative employment and business opportunities.

Nigerian security agencies have, in recent years, intensified efforts to dismantle trafficking and irregular migration networks using similar recruitment schemes as part of broader measures to combat transnational organised crime.