By Ojima-ojo Abubakar
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has flagged a rise in cases of fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border activities.
In a statement on Monday, A.S. Akinlabi, NIS public relations officer (PRO), said criminal networks often target vulnerable individuals, particularly young women and girls, through deceptive offers of employment, education, and opportunities for a better life abroad.
“These schemes frequently result in forced labour, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation,” Akinlabi said.
The NIS spokesperson warned that it is illegal to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa, and other required documents, noting that doing so poses serious dangers.
“No genuine travel process bypasses official immigration procedures or authorised border posts,” he said.
Akinlabi also urged Nigerians to be “extremely cautious of unsolicited offers of sponsorship, travel fare, or help to go abroad from unknown or unverified persons”.
As part of precautionary measures, he said Nigerians must confirm the authenticity of all travel opportunities and recruitment offers through appropriate government channels.
The NIS spokesperson also said members of the public must avoid engaging with individuals or agents who promote or facilitate irregular migration.
He urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to stay vigilant and educate young people on the risks of irregular migration and trafficking in persons.
