The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has raised alarm over a surge in fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border movements orchestrated by criminal networks across the country, warning Nigerians that leaving the country without valid travel documents is illegal and exposes them to serious risks.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, and issued on Monday in Abuja, the service said criminal syndicates are increasingly targeting vulnerable citizens—particularly young women—through fake job offers, education opportunities, and promises of better living conditions abroad. These schemes, it noted, often end in forced labour, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
“It is illegal to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa, and other required documents, and doing so poses serious dangers,” the service stated, stressing that no legitimate migration process bypasses official immigration procedures or authorised border points.
The Nigeria Immigration Service urged members of the public to be cautious of unsolicited offers of sponsorship, travel funding, or “assistance” to travel abroad from unknown or unverified individuals, describing such approaches as common tactics used by trafficking networks.
It further advised Nigerians to verify all travel and recruitment opportunities through appropriate government channels, avoid dealing with unregistered agents promoting irregular migration, and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest immigration office or relevant security agency.
The service also called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain vigilant and educate young people on the dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains resolute in its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting citizens from exploitation,” the statement added.
