The Nigeria Immigration Service has raised fresh concerns over the growing activities of criminal networks involved in fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border movements across the country.
The agency warned that many Nigerians, especially young women and girls, are being deceived with false promises of jobs, education, and better opportunities abroad, only to end up as victims of human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi.
According to the NIS, criminal groups are increasingly targeting vulnerable Nigerians who are desperate to travel overseas because of economic hardship, unemployment, and the search for greener pastures.
The service explained that many victims are lured through fake travel agents, online advertisements, social media platforms, and unverified sponsorship offers that appear genuine at first but later turn into dangerous trafficking operations.
The immigration agency stressed that travelling out of Nigeria without proper documents such as valid passports, visas, and approved travel permits remains illegal and highly risky.
It warned that no genuine international travel arrangement bypasses official immigration procedures or authorised border posts.
The NIS also cautioned Nigerians against accepting free travel sponsorships, relocation offers, or financial assistance from unknown persons without proper verification.
According to the service, many traffickers and criminal syndicates now operate sophisticated recruitment schemes that target young people seeking opportunities abroad.
“These criminal groups are preying on vulnerable Nigerians, particularly young women and girls, with fake promises of employment, education and greener pastures abroad,” the statement said.
“Many victims of such deceptive schemes eventually end up in forced labour, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.”
The immigration service urged members of the public to verify all travel opportunities and overseas recruitment offers through government-approved channels before making commitments.
It also advised Nigerians to avoid dealing with unlicensed travel agents or individuals promoting irregular migration.
The agency appealed to citizens to promptly report suspicious persons, activities, or movements linked to fake migration schemes to the nearest immigration office or security agency.
The warning comes amid rising concerns over irregular migration and human trafficking involving Nigerians travelling to Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and other destinations through illegal routes.
Over the years, thousands of Nigerians have attempted dangerous journeys across deserts and the Mediterranean Sea in search of economic opportunities abroad.
Many migrants have lost their lives during these journeys due to accidents, dehydration, violence, abuse by traffickers, or harsh conditions along illegal migration routes.
International organisations and Nigerian authorities have repeatedly raised alarm over the activities of trafficking syndicates that exploit desperate youths and vulnerable women.
In some cases, victims are forced into prostitution, domestic servitude, cybercrime operations, or hard labour after arriving in foreign countries.
Nigeria remains one of the countries heavily affected by irregular migration and trafficking in persons, especially among young people facing unemployment and economic hardship.
Security experts say criminal groups often take advantage of poverty, lack of awareness, and the desire for better living conditions abroad to recruit victims.
The NIS stressed that stronger public awareness is needed to reduce the number of Nigerians falling victim to such schemes.
The service called on parents, guardians, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to educate young people about the dangers of illegal migration and trafficking.
According to the agency, families and communities have an important role to play in preventing vulnerable individuals from being deceived by traffickers.
The immigration service also encouraged Nigerians to make use of official communication channels when seeking clarification or assistance regarding international travel.
“For clarification and assistance, we advise members of the public to contact the Service through the verified social media platforms on X, Instagram and Facebook, all bearing the handle @nigimmigration,” the statement said.
The service also provided emergency contact lines and WhatsApp numbers through which citizens can report suspicious migration activities or seek guidance.
In addition, the agency urged Nigerians to report suspected trafficking or irregular migration cases through its whistleblower email address.
The NIS reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders and safeguarding citizens against exploitation and trafficking-related crimes.
In recent years, the Federal Government has intensified efforts to combat human trafficking and irregular migration through increased border surveillance, arrests of trafficking suspects, and public awareness campaigns.
Agencies such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons have also continued rescue operations and prosecutions involving trafficking networks across the country.
Authorities have repeatedly warned Nigerians that many online travel offers promising quick relocation, high-paying jobs, or free visas are often fraudulent.
Social media has become one of the major tools used by traffickers to recruit victims through fake employment advertisements and misleading promises.
High unemployment, inflation, and rising living costs have pushed many Nigerians to consider migration, sometimes through unsafe and illegal channels.
However, migration experts insist that citizens should only travel through legal and properly documented processes to avoid exploitation and danger.
The NIS warning also reflects wider security concerns linked to irregular migration, including cross-border crime, smuggling, document fraud, and human trafficking operations.
Authorities say improved border management and public cooperation remain important in addressing the problem.
For many families, the promise of better opportunities overseas often creates pressure on young people to travel at all costs, sometimes without fully understanding the risks involved.
The immigration service therefore urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid shortcuts, and prioritise legal migration channels when planning to travel abroad.