Nigeria Immigration Service Warns Ogun Residents Against Dangers of Illegal Migration
ABEOKUTA – The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a stern warning to residents of Ogun State, urging them to shun illegal migration, which it described as a rising menace leading to “tales of sorrow, avoidable anguish and death.”
The call was made during a nationwide Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Sensitisation Campaign held on Thursday at the NIS Headquarters in Abeokuta.
The Comptroller-General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, expressed deep concern over the increasing number of Nigerians losing their lives in Europe and America due to the perils of migrant smuggling. She lamented that many citizens seeking greener pastures abroad are often subjected to forced labour, with women facing rape and other forms of sexual abuse.
Represented by Samson Joseph, the CG clarified that the Federal Government is not discouraging citizens from travelling abroad for legitimate reasons such as education or work. However, she stressed that all travels must be conducted through proper and legal channels.
“Some people prefer taking illegal routes when travelling because they do not want to spend money or follow due process. This attitude often leads to disastrous consequences,” Nandap stated.
She outlined the correct steps for international travel, advising citizens to “obtain a valid passport from the Nigeria Immigration Service, secure a visa, and be sure of your destination. Most importantly, avoid fake travel agents who can mislead or exploit you.”
Echoing the CG’s sentiments, the Ogun State Comptroller of Immigration, CIS Olufunke Odusote, identified social media as a major factor fuelling the crisis, with many Nigerians falling victim to fraudulent job offers and travel agents online.
Represented by Deputy Comptroller Kayode Adedigba, Odusote 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 labour, prostitution, rape, and even death. Why not remain in Nigeria, where you have freedom and dignity?”
The sensitisation campaign featured outreach activities across local communities, aiming to educate residents on the extreme risks of irregular migration, which include 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 in search of better opportunities abroad.
