Seven girls using hijab to disguise themselves and evade arrest were
among the 12 persons intercepted by the Nigeria Immigration Service
(NIS) in Katsina on their way to Europe.
This brings the total
number of persons apprehended by the NIS to 40 in the last four months
as they tried to cross various legal and illegal routes to Agadez in
Niger Republic en route Libya then Europe.
While parading the rescued victims, the Comptroller of Immigration in
the state, Mohammed Yaro Rabiu, said the hijab was a decoy intended to
camouflage and get easy passage at the border. “All the rescued victims
are Nigerians from Edo State and will be handed over to NAPTIP for
further action,” he said.
“The victims are Dennis
Igbobo, Elvis Osas, Earnest Ugiagbe, Bright John, Lucky Iyare, Gift
Osagie, Godday Ruth, Ovioma Gift, Otoboh Fabour, Believe James,
Endurance Idemadia and Marian Josiah.”
According to Daily Trust, some of the victims said that they were pushed by hardship and the search for better opportunities.