The Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has warned residents of the state to avoid illegal migration.
He described it as a growing threat that leads to “stories of pain, avoidable heartbreak and death.”
NIS Comptroller General Kemi Nandap issued the warning over a national anti-migrant smuggling awareness campaign held at the NIS headquarters in Abeokuta on Thursday.
Nandap expressed deep concern over the increasing number of Nigerians losing their lives in Europe and the United States due to the dangers of migrant smuggling.
The NIS chief lamented that many citizens seeking greener pastures abroad are often subjected to forced labor, and women face rape and other forms of sexual abuse.
Represented by Samson Joseph, the CG clarified that the federal government does not discourage citizens from traveling abroad for legitimate reasons such as education or work. However, he stressed that all travel must be carried out through appropriate and legal channels.
“Some people prefer to take illegal routes when traveling because they do not want to spend money or follow due process. This attitude often has disastrous consequences,” Nandap said.
He outlined the correct steps for international travel and advised citizens to “obtain a valid passport from the Nigerian Immigration Service, obtain a visa and be sure of your destination. The most important thing is to avoid fake travel agents who may mislead or exploit you.”
Echoing the sentiments of the CG, the Ogun State Comptroller of Immigration, CIS Olufunke Odusote, identified social media as a major factor fueling the crisis, with many Nigerians falling victim to fraudulent online job offers and travel agents.
Odusote, represented by Deputy Comptroller Kayode Adedigba, revealed that the command has intensified its crackdown on illegal migration and is collaborating with other security agencies, including the police and the Amotekun Corps, to curb the trend.
“There is no real freedom outside Nigeria. We are not discouraging people from migrating, but we are urging them to travel legally,” Odusote said. “Many Nigerians abroad are subjected to forced labor, prostitution, rape and even death. Why not stay in Nigeria where they have freedom and dignity?”
The awareness campaign included outreach activities in local communities, aiming to educate residents about the extreme risks of irregular migration, including human trafficking, violence and dangerous journeys.
The event underscores the government’s growing concern over illegal migration, often driven by economic hardship, which continues to claim the lives of young Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad.