The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS has reaffirmed its determination to combat irregular migration, human trafficking, and other cross-border crimes, urging Nigerians, especially youths to steer clear of dangerous and illegal travel routes.
Speaking at a sensitization programme held at the Ikoyi Passport Office, Lagos, the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) in charge of the Migration Directorate, Ngozi Odikpo, said irregular migration continues to expose many Nigerians to exploitation, modern-day slavery, and fatal journeys.
Odikpo, who represented the Comptroller-General of Immigration, emphasized that the Service is stepping up both public enlightenment and enforcement operations to curb the trend.
“Irregular migrants fall into the hands of dangerous networks who exploit their dreams for a better life. Many lose their lives in the desert or at sea; others end up in detention, deportation, forced labour, and trauma,” she said.
According to the DCG, the NIS has sensitized over 577,200 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across the country and intercepted 432 trafficking victims, 18 suspected traffickers, and 22 smuggled persons this year, many of whom have since been reunited with their families.
She added that the Service is strengthening intelligence-sharing and collaboration with other law-enforcement agencies to dismantle trafficking and smuggling syndicates operating across Nigeria’s borders.
Also speaking, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abayomi of the Interpol FCID Annex commended the robust cooperation among security agencies in addressing transnational crimes such as human trafficking, smuggling, and the movement of stolen vehicles and fugitives.
“Many victims, including those lured from other African countries with fake travel promises, are now being rescued through joint operations. Security collaboration remains key,” he said.
The event also featured goodwill messages from representatives of sister security agencies.
Mrs. Mariam, Deputy Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Command Base, described the sensitization programme as a crucial intervention in addressing a growing national concern.
“The issue of irregular migration is becoming a menace that affects the country’s image negatively,” she said. “Despite challenges such as youth unemployment, the Immigration Service has taken commendable steps to tackle this problem, and this awareness campaign will help us identify areas for more support.”
Chief Superintendent of Fire (CSF) Aderemi Muluwashio of the Federal Fire Service, Lagos Command, representing the Zonal Controller, ACG Parole Alpha, also applauded the NIS initiative, linking irregular migration to broader national security concerns.
“Security challenges in Nigeria are worrying. Many crimes are perpetrated by persons entering the country without proper documentation. This sensitization will help curb such movements and strengthen national security,” he said.
Both the NIS and partner agencies pledged to sustain their partnership and continue promoting safe, legal, and orderly migration as part of efforts to protect national security and the welfare of Nigerian citizens.
In attendance were several senior officers, including Comptroller of Immigration Service, Lagos State Command, CIS A.M. Akadiri; Deputy Comptroller of Immigration and PCO Ikoyi Passport Office, DCI Kemi Ojo; and Deputy Comptroller of Immigration and OC Investigation, DCI M.U. Abang.
