The Nigeria Immigration Service has warned Nigerians about increasing cases of fraudulent migration schemes and illegal cross-border movements being carried out by criminal groups across the country.
The agency said young women and girls are among the most vulnerable targets, as traffickers often use fake promises of jobs, education, and better opportunities abroad to lure victims into exploitation and forced labour.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, titled ‘Public Advisory on Fraudulent Migration Schemes and Irregular Migration.’
It read, “The Service warns that criminal networks often target vulnerable individuals, particularly young women and girls, through deceptive offers of employment, education, and opportunities for a better life abroad.
ALSO READ: Cooking gas price nears N2,000/kg ahead of Sallah celebrations
“These schemes frequently result in forced labour, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.”
📢 Stay Updated — Join Our WhatsApp Channel
💬 Be Part of Our WhatsApp Community
Join our WhatsApp Channel for curated updates, breaking stories, and exclusive insights from our newsroom.
📲 Join 👉 NRTC WhatsApp Channel
The Immigration Service stressed that travelling out of Nigeria without valid documents is illegal and exposes individuals to serious risks.
“It is illegal to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa, and other required documents, and doing so poses serious dangers,” the advisory stated, adding that, “No genuine travel process bypasses official immigration procedures or authorised border posts.”
The agency also cautioned Nigerians against trusting unknown individuals offering financial assistance or travel arrangements to move abroad.
“Be extremely cautious of unsolicited offers of sponsorship, travel fare, or ‘help’ to go abroad from unknown or unverified persons,” it said.
The NIS advised citizens to verify all travel and recruitment opportunities through approved government channels and avoid dealing with agents or individuals promoting illegal migration.
ALSO READ: UK unveils digital ID plan to curb illegal migration
It also encouraged Nigerians to report suspicious persons, movements, or activities linked to irregular migration and trafficking to the nearest immigration office or security agency.
“The Service urges parents, guardians, and community leaders to stay vigilant and educate young people on the risks of irregular migration and trafficking in persons,” the statement read.
🔍 Explore More
- NRTC English Knowledge Base – Learn, improve, and sharpen your English skills.
- Top Stories From Around the World – Stay informed with the latest global news and insights.
- Specially Curated Listicles – Discover interesting lists, guides, and deep dives selected for our readers.
- Stay Updated: Join our mailing list and never miss the latest articles and updates from NRTC.
The Service further directed members of the public to seek information or report concerns through its verified social media platforms using the handle @nigimmigration.
The warning comes shortly after over 1,100 Nigerian migrants reportedly returned to Kano from Agadez in the Niger Republic by road last Friday.
It also follows continued concerns over dangerous migration routes through Libya, Algeria, and the Sahara Desert, which have led to the deaths of thousands of African migrants in recent years.
According to data from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Nigeria remains one of the leading source countries for irregular migrants attempting to enter Europe, with states such as Edo, Delta, Ogun, Lagos, and Kano recording high numbers of trafficking victims and illegal migration cases.
