Two men were arrested after immigration officials recovered ₦34 million allegedly intended as ransom for the release of a kidnap suspect’s brother, while 17 irregular migrants were also intercepted in Yola.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Adamawa State Command, has arrested two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered ₦34 million in cash during a security operation in the state.

The suspects, identified as 55-year-old Alhaji Jaye and 34-year-old Buba Bello, were arrested on September 6, 2026, following an operation carried out by immigration personnel based on security intelligence.

According to the NIS, preliminary questioning indicated that the recovered ₦34 million was allegedly meant to be used as ransom to secure the release of Buba Bello’s brother, who was reportedly being held by kidnappers.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping and the exact role of the two suspects in the syndicate are expected to be established through further investigation.

Following the arrests, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service directed that the suspects and the recovered cash be handed over to the Adamawa State Police Command.

The police are expected to conduct further investigations and take appropriate legal action based on the outcome of their inquiries.

17 Irregular Migrants Intercepted

In a separate operation, officers of the Adamawa State Command also intercepted 17 irregular migrants at Rumde Baru in Yola South Local Government Area.

The interception followed what the NIS described as credible intelligence received by its personnel.

The migrants were reportedly found staying in a private three-bedroom residence in the area.

Preliminary profiling showed that 13 of the migrants were Cameroonian nationals, comprising eight males and five females.

The remaining four were identified as Chadian nationals, all of them male.

The NIS said the interception formed part of its broader efforts to strengthen migration management, border security and the protection of Nigeria's territorial integrity.

The command also urged its personnel to remain vigilant and to promptly share intelligence that could help security agencies identify and respond to emerging threats.

The latest operations come as security agencies continue efforts to tackle kidnapping, illegal migration and other security challenges across the country.

The NIS said it would continue to work with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to protect Nigeria's borders and enhance national security.