The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a strong warning to citizens over increasing migration fraud and criminal exploitation networks targeting vulnerable individuals.
The NIS raised the alarm in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, on Monday in Abuja, noting that criminal syndicates are increasingly exploiting Nigerians, particularly young people and women, through fake promises of employment, education, and better living conditions abroad.
According to the service, many of these deceptive schemes often end in forced labour, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse outside the country.
“It is illegal to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa, and other required documents, and doing so poses serious dangers,” the statement warned, stressing that legitimate international travel must follow approved immigration procedures.
The NIS cautioned Nigerians against accepting unsolicited offers of sponsorship, travel funding, or overseas job opportunities from unknown individuals or unverified agents, describing such tactics as common methods used by trafficking networks.
It further advised members of the public to verify all travel and recruitment opportunities through official government channels and avoid engaging with individuals promoting irregular migration routes or shortcuts abroad.
The service also urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities, persons, or movements linked to migration fraud to the nearest NIS formation or relevant security agencies.
For verification and reporting, the NIS said members of the public can reach it via its official social media handles on X, Instagram, and Facebook (@nigimmigration), or through its 24/7 contact centre numbers: 09121900655, 09121556359, and 09121477092. WhatsApp lines 0916087800 and 09117717772, as well as the whistleblower email nis.actu@immigration.gov.ng, are also available.
Parents, guardians, and community leaders were encouraged to sensitise young people on the dangers of irregular migration and trafficking in persons, especially given the rising number of cases being recorded.
Reaffirming its commitment to border security, the NIS said it remains focused on protecting Nigerians from exploitation and strengthening efforts to combat human trafficking and illegal migration networks across the country.