The Nigeria Immigration Service has intensified its crackdown on irregular migration, preventing nearly 300 Nigerians from illegally leaving the country while denying entry to over 300 undocumented foreigners in recent operations.
Major Border Interceptions and Rescues
Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, revealed these figures during a stakeholders' sensitisation seminar held in Abuja on Tuesday, November 11. The event focused on "Evolving Patterns in Smuggling of Migrants: Towards a Coordinated National Response."
According to Nandap, immigration officers intercepted 294 Nigerians without valid travel documents as they attempted to leave the country through the Seme border. In the same operation, 332 irregular migrants were denied entry into Nigeria, while 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour were rescued from criminal networks.
Combating the Japa Syndrome
The Immigration boss expressed deep concern about the recent surge in irregular migration, popularly known as the "Japa" syndrome. She noted that many young Nigerians continue to risk their lives under the false illusion of greener pastures abroad, often falling prey to organized criminal syndicates who exploit their desperation.
"It is very disheartening when you see young people risking their lives because they feel the grass is greener on the other side," Nandap stated during the seminar.
She emphasized that migrant smuggling has become increasingly complex and transnational, driven by highly organized criminal networks that exploit weak border controls and make false promises to vulnerable individuals.
Comprehensive National Response
The NIS has strengthened its operations through multiple strategies including tighter border monitoring, legal reforms, public education campaigns, and enhanced international partnerships. The agency has collaborated with local and foreign partners to improve intelligence sharing and surveillance technology, including the installation of CCTV cameras at major border points like Seme.
In a significant youth engagement effort, Nandap disclosed that over 577,200 National Youth Service Corps members have been sensitized this year about the dangers of irregular migration. The nationwide Anti-Smuggling Sensitisation Campaign, initially launched in Lagos, has now expanded to reach schools, markets, worship centers, and motor parks across the country.
The Immigration Service plans to introduce Anti-Smuggling Clubs in secondary schools and within the NYSC's Community Development Service program to further raise awareness among young Nigerians about migration risks.
"These are not annual statistics; they happened just within a short period, and it tells you the scale of the problem we are dealing with," Nandap emphasized, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Nigeria continues to play an active role in global migration dialogues, including participation in the Khartoum, Rabat, and Niamey Processes. Nandap maintained that effectively tackling migrant smuggling requires coordinated efforts among security agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners.
"The fight against smuggling of migrants is not only a security imperative but also a moral responsibility," she asserted. "Every smuggled migrant represents a life placed at risk, a family disrupted, and a community robbed of its potential."
The Comptroller General called for a united national front to ensure safe, orderly, and legal migration built on principles of protection, accountability, and human dignity.
