The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has raised concerns over the growing activities of criminal networks driving fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border movements, warning that the trend poses serious economic and social risks to the country.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, said the agency had observed an increase in fake travel and relocation arrangements targeting vulnerable Nigerians, particularly young people, women and girls. According to the NIS, many victims are lured with promises of jobs, education and improved living conditions abroad, only to end up in forced labour, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. The immigration service noted that irregular migration not only exposes citizens to abuse but also undermines national productivity and security. It urged Nigerians to avoid dealing with unregistered travel agents and groups promoting illegal migration routes, while encouraging the public to report suspected trafficking and irregular migration cases through its whistleblower email, nis.actu@immigration.gov.ng.
