The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has stepped up efforts to curb irregular migration, preventing 294 Nigerians without valid travel documents from leaving the country and denying entry to 332 undocumented migrants at the Seme border.

In recent weeks, the service also rescued 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour along the border.

Comptroller General of Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nandap, disclosed this on Tuesday during a one-day stakeholders’ sensitization seminar in Abuja titled “Evolving Patterns in Smuggling of Migrants: Towards a Coordinated National Response.”

Nandap expressed concern over the growing trend of Nigerians attempting to migrate irregularly, driven by the perception of greener pastures abroad—a phenomenon popularly referred to as “Japa.”

“It is very disheartening when you see young people risking their lives because they feel the grass is greener on the other side,” she lamented.

She noted that migrant smuggling has become increasingly complex and transnational, often orchestrated by highly organized criminal networks.

The CGIS explained that the NIS, in collaboration with local and international partners, has adopted a multi-dimensional strategy to tackle the issue. Measures include strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, expanding public awareness campaigns, and enhancing inter-agency cooperation.

According to Nandap, over 577,200 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have been sensitized on the dangers of irregular migration this year. The nationwide Anti-Smuggling Sensitization Campaign, launched in Lagos, has been extended to schools, markets, worship centres, and motor parks across the country. Plans are also underway to establish Anti-Smuggling Clubs in schools and within the NYSC’s Community Development Service framework.

Recent operations at Seme Border, aided by newly installed CCTV cameras, led to the interception of irregular migrants and the rescue of dozens of victims.

“These are not annual statistics; they occurred within a short period, highlighting the scale of the problem we are dealing with,” Nandap said.

She also emphasized Nigeria’s active participation in international migration dialogues, including the Khartoum, Rabat, and Niamey Processes, aimed at promoting cooperation and harmonized action against irregular migration.

“The fight against smuggling of migrants is not only a security imperative but also a moral responsibility. Every smuggled migrant represents a life placed at risk, a family disrupted, and a community deprived of its potential,” Nandap stated.

She urged government agencies, civil society, faith-based organizations, educators, and the private sector to work together to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration. “Our success depends on our ability to act as one national front guided by the principles of protection, accountability, and human dignity,” she emphasized.

The seminar brought together key stakeholders from government agencies and international organizations tasked with curbing migrant smuggling and protecting Nigerians from exploitation.