By Palma Ileye
Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has alerted Nigerians to the rising cases of fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border activities being carried out by individuals and organised criminal networks across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, the NIS warned that vulnerable persons, especially young women and girls, were increasingly being targeted with fake promises of employment, education, and better opportunities abroad.
According to the Service, many of the deceptive schemes often end in forced labour, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
The agency stressed that it was illegal for anyone to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa, and other required travel documents, warning that attempts to bypass official immigration procedures expose individuals to grave dangers.
The Service further cautioned Nigerians against accepting unsolicited sponsorship offers, travel fares, or assistance from unverified individuals claiming to facilitate travel abroad.
It advised members of the public to verify the authenticity of all travel and recruitment offers through appropriate government channels and avoid dealing with agents or persons promoting irregular migration.
The Immigration Service also urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities and individuals involved in such schemes to the nearest immigration office or relevant security agency.
The agency called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to educate young people on the dangers associated with irregular migration and trafficking in persons.
Reaffirming its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting citizens from exploitation, the Service encouraged the public to seek clarification or assistance through its verified communication channels.
