The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has warned Nigerians against participating in irregular migration and fraudulent travel arrangements, raising concerns over the increasing activities of criminal networks exploiting vulnerable citizens through fake overseas opportunities.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, the agency said traffickers and organised criminal groups have continued to deceive Nigerians, especially young women, with false promises of jobs, education, sponsorship, and improved living conditions abroad.
According to the NIS, many victims of such schemes eventually end up in forced labour, human trafficking, exploitation, and other forms of abuse after travelling through illegal channels.
The service stressed that travelling out of Nigeria without proper documentation violates the law and exposes individuals to serious risks.
“It is illegal to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa, and other required documents, and doing so poses serious dangers,” the statement said.
The agency further emphasized that legitimate travel processes must pass through approved immigration procedures and authorised border points, warning that no genuine international travel arrangement bypasses official regulations.
The NIS urged Nigerians to be cautious of unsolicited offers from unknown individuals or groups promising to finance travel or facilitate relocation abroad. It described such offers as common tactics used by trafficking syndicates to lure unsuspecting victims.
Citizens were advised to verify all travel, employment, and educational opportunities through the appropriate government institutions before making commitments. The immigration service also encouraged members of the public to avoid dealing with agents promoting illegal migration and to promptly report suspicious movements or activities linked to trafficking networks to security authorities.
The agency called on parents, guardians, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns and educate young people on the dangers associated with irregular migration and human trafficking.
To strengthen public engagement, the NIS provided several channels through which Nigerians can seek clarification or report suspicious activities. These include its official social media accounts on X, Instagram, and Facebook under the handle @nigimmigration, as well as dedicated contact centre and WhatsApp numbers.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security and citizen protection, the service stated that it remains determined to safeguard Nigeria’s borders while combating human trafficking and other transnational crimes.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains resolute in its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting citizens from exploitation,” the statement added.
