- The Nigeria Immigration Service warned Nigerians against travelling without valid documents or using illegal border routes
- The agency said irregular migration had exposed many citizens to trafficking, forced labour and exploitation
- NIS urged Nigerians to verify travel offers and use only official immigration channels for safe migration
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians against attempts to leave the country without valid travel documents, cautioning that such actions are illegal and expose travellers to serious security and human rights risks.
In a public alert posted on its official X handle on Monday, the Service Public Relations Officer, A S Akinlabi, stressed that all international travel must be conducted with proper documentation, including a valid passport, visa where required, and other approved immigration papers.
The service emphasised that any attempt to bypass official immigration procedures or use unauthorised border routes constitutes a clear violation of Nigerian law and will attract appropriate sanctions.
According to the agency, irregular migration has become a growing concern, particularly as criminal networks increasingly target young Nigerians with deceptive promises of employment, education opportunities, and improved living conditions abroad.
The NIS warned that many of these schemes often end in exploitation, including forced labour, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse. It noted that victims are frequently stranded in foreign countries without protection or legal support, making them vulnerable to organised criminal groups.
“These schemes often result in forced labour, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation,” the service warned, adding that no legitimate migration process bypasses established immigration procedures or authorised border points.
The agency further urged Nigerians to verify all travel and employment offers through official channels, advising citizens to avoid dealing with unregistered agents or individuals promoting irregular migration pathways.
It also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities or suspected human trafficking operations to the nearest immigration formation or other relevant security agencies for prompt action.
Reaffirming its commitment to border security, the NIS said it remains resolute in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting citizens from exploitation and illegal migration networks operating within and outside the country.
The warning comes amid renewed efforts by government agencies to curb irregular migration, which has remained a persistent challenge across West Africa. Security experts have repeatedly cautioned that porous border routes and fraudulent recruitment schemes continue to expose many young people to dangerous journeys across the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.
The NIS reiterated that lawful migration remains the safest and most secure pathway for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, urging citizens to comply strictly with immigration regulations to avoid falling victim to trafficking syndicates and other transnational crimes.