The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has prevented 294 Nigerians from departing the nation due to alleged smuggling operations and refused admission to 332 migrants without documentation at the Seme border.
Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, announced this on Tuesday, November 11, at a one-day stakeholders’ awareness seminar in Abuja named “Evolving Patterns in Smuggling of Migrants: Towards a Coordinated National Response.”
Nandap further disclosed that the service lately saved 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour near the Seme border, thanks to recently placed CCTV cameras that assisted in catching irregular migrants.
“These are not annual statistics; they occurred within a short period, highlighting the scale of the problem we are dealing with,” she said.
Voicing worry about the rising pattern of Nigerians moving irregularly in pursuit of improved prospects overseas, a trend often called “Japa”, Nandap expressed sorrow over the dangers entailed.
“It is very disheartening when you see young people risking their lives because they feel the grass is greener on the other side,” she said.
The head of Immigration pointed out that migrant smuggling has grown “more complex and transnational,” fueled by advanced criminal groups taking advantage of susceptible people.
She mentioned that the NIS, collaborating with domestic and global partners, has implemented a multi-faceted strategy to tackle the issue. This involves bolstering legal and institutional structures, broadening public education initiatives, and improving cooperation among agencies to guarantee a more unified national effort.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
