Illegal migration dangerous, criminal, NIS warns Nigerians over fake travel offers

The Nigeria Immigration Service has raised concerns over a growing wave of fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border activities being orchestrated by criminal networks across the country, warning Nigerians against travelling abroad without valid documents.

The agency said many unsuspecting citizens, particularly young women, are being lured by traffickers and illegal migration syndicates through fake promises of employment, education opportunities, sponsorships, and better living conditions overseas.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by Akinsola Akinlabi, service’s Public Relations Officer, the NIS warned that such schemes often end in forced labour, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse.

The immigration service stressed that it is illegal for anyone to leave Nigeria without valid travel documents, including passports, visas, and other required permits.

“It is illegal to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa, and other required documents, and doing so poses serious dangers,” the statement read.

The NIS emphasised that no legitimate international travel arrangement bypasses official immigration procedures or authorised border posts, cautioning Nigerians against individuals claiming to facilitate overseas travel through unofficial means.

According to the service, criminal syndicates have increasingly adopted deceptive tactics, including offering free travel sponsorships, transportation fares, and undocumented migration routes to vulnerable individuals desperate to seek opportunities abroad.

The agency urged Nigerians to exercise extreme caution when approached with unsolicited travel offers from unverified persons or organisations, noting that such tactics are commonly used by trafficking networks.

It advised members of the public to verify all travel, recruitment, and educational opportunities through appropriate government agencies and avoid dealing with agents or individuals promoting irregular migration.

The service also called on citizens to promptly report suspicious activities, movements, or persons linked to illegal migration schemes to the nearest immigration office or relevant security agencies.

The NIS further appealed to parents, guardians, traditional rulers, and community leaders to intensify awareness efforts aimed at educating young people on the dangers associated with irregular migration and human trafficking.

As part of efforts to encourage public participation in combating the menace, the service provided several official communication channels through which Nigerians can seek clarification or report suspicious activities.

According to the statement, members of the public can reach the service through its verified social media platforms on X, Instagram, and Facebook using the handle @nigimmigration.

The agency also listed its 24-hour contact centre numbers as 09121900655, 09121556359, and 09121477092, while WhatsApp lines 0916087800 and 09117717772 remain available for reports and inquiries.

In addition, whistleblowers and concerned citizens can submit information via email through [email protected].

The immigration service stated that it would continue strengthening border security measures while working to protect Nigerians from exploitation by human traffickers and illegal migration networks.

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“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains resolute in its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting citizens from exploitation,” the statement added.