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By Tracy Moses
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has raised alarm over the growing activities of human traffickers and organised criminal networks exploiting vulnerable Nigerians through fake promises of jobs, education, and better opportunities abroad.
The Service warned that many unsuspecting victims, particularly young women and girls, are being lured into irregular migration schemes that often end in forced labour, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI AS Akinlabi, the NIS said criminal syndicates are increasingly taking advantage of economic hardship and desperation among citizens to recruit victims through deceptive migration arrangements.
According to the Service, many of the fraudulent schemes are carefully packaged to appear legitimate, thereby making vulnerable persons easy targets for traffickers operating within and outside Nigeria.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to alert the general public to the increasing cases of fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border activities being perpetrated by individuals and organised criminal groups across the country,” the statement said.
“These criminal networks often target vulnerable Nigerians, especially young women and girls, with false promises of employment, education, and improved living conditions abroad.”
The agency explained that many victims who fall for such deceptive offers eventually find themselves stranded in foreign countries without legal protection or subjected to exploitative and inhumane conditions.
“Many of these deceptive schemes ultimately lead victims into forced labour, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse,” the Service warned.
The NIS stressed that travelling outside the country without valid immigration documents remains a violation of Nigerian laws and significantly increases the risk of exploitation and abuse.
“It is illegal to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa, and other required travel documents,” the statement added.
“Any attempt to bypass official immigration procedures or authorised border posts exposes individuals to serious dangers and criminal exploitation.”
The Service also cautioned Nigerians against accepting unsolicited sponsorships, free travel offers, or relocation assistance from unverified persons or organisations.
“The public is advised to be wary of individuals or groups offering travel sponsorships, jobs, scholarships, or migration assistance without proper verification,” Akinlabi stated.
“Nigerians are encouraged to verify the authenticity of all travel and recruitment opportunities through appropriate government channels before making any commitment.”
The agency noted that irregular migration has continued to fuel transnational crimes and human trafficking activities, urging citizens to avoid dealing with self-acclaimed travel agents or middlemen operating outside lawful procedures.
According to the Service, parents, guardians, community leaders, and religious institutions also have critical roles to play in protecting young people from falling victim to trafficking syndicates.
“We call on parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain vigilant and educate young people about the dangers associated with irregular migration and trafficking in persons,” the statement said.
The NIS further appealed to members of the public to support ongoing efforts to combat illegal migration by reporting suspicious movements and recruitment activities to the nearest immigration office or relevant security agencies.
“Citizens are encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities, movements, or persons involved in illegal migration schemes and human trafficking to the appropriate authorities,” the agency stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to border security and public safety, the Service said it would continue to strengthen measures aimed at dismantling trafficking networks and protecting Nigerians from exploitation.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to securing the nation’s borders, combating human trafficking, and protecting Nigerians from all forms of criminal exploitation,” the statement added.
The agency advised Nigerians seeking migration opportunities abroad to rely only on verified information and official communication platforms of the Service for guidance and support.