The Nigeria Immigration Service has raised concerns over a growing wave of fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border movements being orchestrated by criminal networks across the country, warning Nigerians against travelling abroad without valid documents.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the service’s Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, the agency said vulnerable Nigerians, especially young women, are increasingly being targeted by traffickers and criminal syndicates through deceptive promises of jobs, education and better opportunities overseas.

According to the statement, many of the victims eventually end up trapped in forced labour, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation after falling prey to the schemes.

The immigration service stressed that it is illegal for anyone to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa and other necessary travel documents, warning that bypassing official immigration procedures exposes individuals to grave dangers.

“It is illegal to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa, and other required documents, and doing so poses serious dangers,” the statement said.

The agency also warned Nigerians to be wary of unsolicited offers of sponsorship, travel assistance or relocation opportunities from unknown or unverified persons, describing such tactics as common methods used by trafficking networks to lure victims.

The NIS urged members of the public to verify the authenticity of all travel and recruitment offers through appropriate government channels and avoid engaging with individuals or agents promoting irregular migration.

It further called on Nigerians to promptly report suspicious activities, movements or persons linked to trafficking and illegal migration to the nearest immigration office or relevant security agency.

The service appealed to parents, guardians and community leaders to remain vigilant and educate young people on the dangers associated with irregular migration and human trafficking.

For enquiries or reports, the NIS advised the public to contact the agency through its verified social media platforms on X, Instagram and Facebook using the handle @nigimmigration.

The agency also provided its 24-hour contact centre lines as 09121900655, 09121556359 and 09121477092, while WhatsApp contacts are 0916087800 and 09117717772. Reports can also be made through its whistleblower email address, [email protected].

Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the service said it remains determined to secure Nigeria’s borders and protect citizens from exploitation and transnational criminal activities.