The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Adamawa State Command, has arrested two men suspected of being members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered ₦34 million in cash during an operation in the state.
The suspects, identified as 55-year-old Alhaji Jaye and 34-year-old Buba Bello, were intercepted by immigration officers on September 6, 2026, as part of security operations in Adamawa State.
NIS Investigates ₦34m Cash Recovered From Suspects
According to the Nigeria Immigration Service, the two suspects claimed that the ₦34 million was intended to pay ransom for the release of a relative allegedly being held by kidnappers.
However, the immigration authorities said investigations are ongoing to establish the actual source of the money and determine how it was intended to be used.
The circumstances surrounding the movement of such a large amount of cash have raised security concerns, particularly amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt kidnapping and ransom networks.
The suspects and the recovered cash have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Adamawa State Command, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Authorities are expected to determine whether the suspects were victims attempting to secure the release of a relative or were allegedly involved in facilitating kidnapping activities.
17 Irregular Migrants Intercepted in Yola
In a separate operation, the Adamawa State Command of the NIS intercepted 17 irregular migrants at Rumde Baru in Yola South Local Government Area.
The group comprised 13 Cameroonian nationals, including eight males and five females, as well as four male nationals of Chad.
The interception forms part of immigration authorities’ efforts to monitor undocumented migration and strengthen security surveillance across the state.
NIS Raises Concern Over Unregistered Apartments
The Immigration Service also expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend among undocumented migrants in Adamawa.
According to the service, some irregular migrants are moving away from hotels and taking up residence in private, unregistered apartments within the state capital.
The development could make it more difficult for security and immigration authorities to monitor the movement and activities of undocumented persons within the state.
The NIS said the situation requires increased surveillance and cooperation among relevant security agencies.
₦34m Recovery Raises Security Questions
The recovery of ₦34 million in cash has added another dimension to the investigation, given the suspects’ claim that the money was intended for ransom.
While the claim is yet to be independently established, the incident highlights the need for security agencies to investigate financial movements associated with kidnapping cases and determine whether such funds are being used to facilitate criminal networks.
The case also underscores the importance of cooperation between the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Police Force in tackling security threats and monitoring movements across Adamawa.
Investigations are expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the suspects, the recovered money and their alleged connection to kidnapping activities.
Immigration Arrests 2 Suspected Kidnapping Syndicate Members, Recovers ₦34m in Adamawa.
