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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has raised the alarm over the rising cases of fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border activities perpetrated by criminal networks across the country.
The paramilitary agency in a statement by DCI AS Akinlabi, the Service Public Relations Officer, disclosed that the criminal cartels often target vulnerable individuals, particularly young women and girls.
The agency’s spokesperson further explained that they usually attract them through deceptive offers of employment, education and opportunities for better life abroad.
The NIS equally lamented how their frequent activities had resulted in forced labour, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
While raising the alarm, the agency noted: “The NIS wishes to alert the public to the rising cases of fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border activities being carried out by individuals and organised groups across Nigeria.
“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.
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“These schemes frequently result in forced labour, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation,” it explained.
While educating the public further,, the Service emphasised that, “It is illegal to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa and other required documents, and doing so poses serious dangers.
“No genuine travel process bypasses official immigration procedures or authorised border posts. Be extremely cautious of unsolicited offers of sponsorship, travel fare or “help” to go abroad from unknown or unverified persons.
“Accordingly, members of the public are further advised to confirm the authenticity of all travel opportunities and recruitment offers through appropriate government channels.
“Avoid engaging with individuals or agents who promote or facilitate irregular migration. Report any suspicious activities, movements or persons involved in such schemes to the nearest Nigeria Immigration Service formation or other relevant security agencies.
“The Service, therefore, urges parents, guardians and community leaders to stay vigilant and educate young people on the risks of irregular migration and trafficking in persons.
“NIS remains resolute in its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting citizens from exploitation,” it assured in the statement.
