The Nigeria Immigration Service has stopped 294 Nigerians from leaving the country due to suspected involvement in migrant smuggling, while also blocking 332 undocumented foreigners from entering at the Seme border.
Immigration boss Kemi Nandap shared these figures on Tuesday, November 11, at a stakeholders’ seminar in Abuja focused on tackling the evolving patterns of migrant smuggling in Nigeria.
What makes these numbers particularly striking is the timeframe, Nandap stressed that these interceptions happened within a short period, not over an entire year, revealing just how widespread irregular migration has become.
The service also rescued 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour at the same border, using newly installed CCTV cameras to spot and stop suspicious movements.
Nandap expressed deep concern about the increasing number of young Nigerians attempting to japa irregularly in pursuit of better opportunities abroad, the phenomenon commonly known as ‘Japa.’
“It’s painful to see young people risking their lives because they believe the grass is greener on the other side,” she said.
The Immigration chief pointed out that migrant smuggling has become a sophisticated transnational crime, with organized criminal networks preying on desperate individuals.
To combat this growing challenge, the NIS is partnering with local and international agencies through a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening legal frameworks, raising public awareness, and improving cooperation between different agencies for a more effective national response.
