Don’t leave the country without valid passports, visas – FG warns Nigerians

By Omeiza Ajayi, ABUJA

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has raised the alarm over a surge in fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border activities orchestrated by individuals and criminal networks across the country, warning Nigerians that leaving the country without valid travel documents is illegal and carries grave personal dangers.

The service, in a statement signed by its public relations officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, on Monday in Abuja, said criminal networks have been preying on vulnerable individuals, particularly young women, through deceptive offers of employment, education and the promise of better lives abroad, schemes that frequently end in forced labour, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.

“It is illegal to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa, and other required documents, and doing so poses serious dangers,” the service stated, adding that no genuine travel process bypasses official immigration procedures or authorised border posts.

The NIS warned the public to be extremely cautious of unsolicited offers of sponsorship, travel fare, or so-called “help” to go abroad from unknown or unverified persons, a hallmark tactic of trafficking networks.

Members of the public were advised to confirm the authenticity of all travel opportunities and recruitment offers through appropriate government channels, steer clear of individuals or agents promoting irregular migration, and promptly report suspicious activities, movements, or persons involved in such schemes to the nearest NIS formation or relevant security agency.

The service also called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to stay vigilant and actively educate young people on the risks of irregular migration and trafficking in persons.

Members of the public seeking clarification or wishing to report suspicious activities can reach the NIS through its official handles on X, Instagram, and Facebook, all under the username @nigimmigration, or via its 24/7 contact centre numbers: 09121900655, 09121556359, and 09121477092. WhatsApp lines 0916087800 and 09117717772, as well as a whistleblower email at nis.actu@immigration.gov.ng, are also available.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains resolute in its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting citizens from exploitation,” the statement read.

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المصدر: Vanguard (NG)