The Nigeria Immigration Service has raised concerns over the growing activities of fraudulent migration syndicates and human trafficking networks, warning Nigerians to avoid deceptive overseas travel schemes that expose victims to exploitation and abuse.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, the agency said criminal groups are increasingly preying on vulnerable Nigerians, particularly young women and girls, with false promises of jobs, education, sponsorships and better opportunities abroad.
According to the statement, many victims who fall for such schemes eventually end up trapped in forced labour, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation in foreign countries.
The Service described irregular migration as a major security and humanitarian challenge, stressing that travelling out of Nigeria without valid documents, including passports, visas and necessary permits, remains illegal and dangerous.
The NIS noted that genuine migration processes must follow official immigration procedures and authorized border channels, warning that no legitimate travel arrangement bypasses lawful documentation requirements.
It further disclosed that traffickers and illegal migration agents now rely heavily on social media platforms and informal recruitment channels to lure unsuspecting Nigerians with fake scholarship offers, employment opportunities and travel assistance packages.
The agency advised Nigerians to exercise caution regarding unsolicited sponsorships, travel fares and offers from unverified individuals or organizations claiming to facilitate overseas travel.
It also urged members of the public to verify all travel and recruitment opportunities through relevant government authorities before making commitments.
The NIS warned against engaging with agents promoting irregular migration, noting that victims are often exposed to detention, abuse, exploitation and, in some cases, death during hazardous cross-border journeys.
Parents, guardians and community leaders were also called upon to intensify awareness campaigns and educate young people on the dangers associated with human trafficking and illegal migration.
The Service appealed to Nigerians to report suspicious activities and individuals linked to fraudulent migration schemes to the nearest immigration office or relevant security agencies for prompt investigation.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Nigerians from exploitation, the NIS said it would continue strengthening border security operations and public sensitization efforts across the country.
The warning comes amid increasing concerns among security and migration authorities over the activities of transnational trafficking syndicates exploiting economic hardship and unemployment to recruit desperate young Nigerians into dangerous migration routes.
