By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Kemi Nandap as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and ASI Odiasa Essosa |
BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a shocking breach of professional integrity, a serving officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), ASI 1 Odiasa Essosa, has been apprehended by the Nigerian Army for his alleged involvement in a human trafficking scheme along the Badagry-Seme axis.
The officer, who was reportedly attached to the Security Unit Headquarters at Sauka, Abuja, was intercepted on July 12, 2026, by vigilant troops from the 243 Recce Battalion, Ibereko, Badagry.
According to intelligence reports, the officer was waiting for a victim, Miss Favour Uabor, at the Limca Bus Stop in Ibereko when he was cornered by military personnel. The victim, a young woman from Edo State, had been traveling from Mile 2 to Badagry under the officer’s remote guidance.
It is alleged that Officer Essosa had been orchestrating the trafficking of young women to Gambia under the guise of securing "lucrative jobs" for them abroad. The investigation revealed that he had allegedly facilitated the victim's movement by sending her ₦40,000 to cover her travel expenses, all while directing her movements via telephone.
The victim’s journey took a turn when she arrived at the 243 Recce Battalion checkpoint. Unsure of her next move, she inquired with the soldiers on duty about how to locate the officer she was meant to meet. Her candidness during a preliminary interview with the military personnel led to the uncovering of the scheme and the subsequent arrest of Officer Essosa, who was waiting nearby in a Toyota Avensis (Registration Number: KJA 715 GC).
Following the preliminary investigation at the barracks, the suspect and the victim were officially handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Border Patrol Command in Seme, for further legal action.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has maintained a stance of zero tolerance toward corruption and criminal activity within its ranks.
Speaking on the matter, the acting NIS Border Patrol Commander, DSI Ifreke Unya, confirmed that the case has been escalated. "The information is being processed at the Nigeria Immigration Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja," Unya stated, noting that the command acted swiftly to transfer the officer to the investigation section at the Service Headquarters to ensure a thorough and transparent probe.