The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has raised alarm over what it described as a sharp increase in fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border syndicates operating across Nigeria.

The agency warned that criminal networks were increasingly targeting vulnerable citizens, particularly young women and girls, with deceptive promises of overseas employment, education, and better living opportunities.

In a statement issued by its national spokesman, Akinsola Akinlabi, the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, said the illicit operations frequently resulted in forced labour, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.

The immigration authorities stressed that leaving Nigeria without a valid passport, visa, and other required travel documents remained illegal and exposed individuals to serious dangers.

“The Service warns that criminal networks often target vulnerable individuals, particularly young women and girls, through deceptive offers of employment, education, and opportunities for a better life abroad.

“No genuine travel process bypasses official immigration procedures or authorised border posts,” Nandap said.

The NIS urged Nigerians to exercise caution when approached with unsolicited sponsorships, travel fares, or assistance to travel abroad from unverified persons or organisations.

To curb the trend, the agency advised members of the public to verify the authenticity of recruitment offers through official government channels and avoid dealing with middlemen involved in irregular migration arrangements.

The Comptroller-General also called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain vigilant and educate young people on the dangers associated with human trafficking.

She urged the public to report suspicious border movements or recruitment agents to NIS offices nationwide or through its round-the-clock contact numbers.

Nandap reiterated the commitment of the Service to strengthening border security and protecting Nigerian citizens from exploitation.