The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rescued 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour at the Seme Border in the past month, as part of ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration, the Comptroller-General, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, announced.
Speaking on Tuesday at the NIS headquarters in Abuja during a one-day Stakeholders Sensitization Seminar on Evolving Patterns of Smuggling of Migrants: Towards a Coordinated National Response, Nandap expressed concern over the increasing involvement of young Nigerians in the so-called “japa syndrome.”
She noted that the NIS recently denied exit to 294 Nigerians suspected of involvement in smuggling activities.
The NIS also blocked the entry of 332 illegal migrants into the country, a success credited in part to the installation of CCTV cameras at border posts.
The seminar drew participants from key agencies including NAPTIP, NDLEA, NSCDC, the Nigeria Navy, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Diaspora Commission, the Boundary Adjustment Commission, the British High Commission, the National Commission for Refugees and Migrants, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Mrs. Nandap emphasized that migrant smuggling remains a serious threat to the safety, dignity, and future of many Nigerians and called for multidimensional approaches to effectively tackle the challenge.
She said, “Nigeria, with its large population and socio-economic diversity, remains both a source, transit, and destination country for migrants seeking improved livelihoods. Unfortunately, criminal syndicates exploit these aspirations, preying on vulnerable citizens and exposing them to grave risks.
“Migrant smuggling has become more complex and transnational, driven by well-organised criminal networks.
“Addressing it requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach rooted in partnership, vigilance, and shared responsibility. A coherent national strategy is essential—one that brings together Government Agencies, International Organisations, Civil Society, and the Private Sector.”
Mrs Nandap, who outlined major steps so far taken by the NIS regarding its constitutional mandates, said the Service has increased the tempo of its awareness campaigns across the country, noting that this year alone, more than 577,200 NYSC Members were sensitised on the dangers of irregular migration.
“The 2025 Nationwide Anti-Smuggling Sensitization Campaign, launched in Lagos, is now active across States, reaching schools, markets, worship centres, and motor parks.
“Plans are also underway to establish Anti-Smuggling Clubs in schools and within the NYSC Community Development Service structure.
Capacity Building – Through strong partnerships,” Mrs Nandap said, noting that, “We have expanded training programmes and enhanced the ability of our personnel to detect, prevent, and respond effectively to smuggling activities.”
The Immigration boss said the Service would deepen cooperation with AU, ECOWAS, EU, IOM, UNODC, INTERPOL, and the Federal German Police, among others, to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations, and coordinated interventions.
The Deputy Comptroller-General in Charge of Migration, DCG, Ngozi Odikpo, said the gathering was initiated for the stakeholders to share knowledge, expertise, and experiences so as to forge partnerships for better migration management and control.
DCG Odikpo said migrants’ issues are no longer about laws, but about protecting lives and securing the country, stressing that the evolving patterns should be addressed holistically by all major stakeholders for the betterment of the country.
The Force Commander of the Combined Maritime Task Force, Navy Commodore A Shettima, said there is a need for greater collaboration between the NIS and the Nigerian Navy to enhance operational efficiency in maritime domains.
He said the collaboration would assist the Navy in ascertaining the identities of foreigners arrested for various maritime crimes, such as crude oil smuggling, piracy, and smuggling of migrants, while the naval platforms would also be made available for NIS personnel to help identify the countries of the suspected criminals.
