The Nigeria Immigration Service has warned Nigerians against attempting to leave the country without valid travel documents or falling for fake job offers abroad. The Service said the practice is illegal and exposes travelers to trafficking, detention, and deportation.
In a statement released Sunday, NIS noted a surge in cases of Nigerians caught at borders and airports with forged papers or no documents at all. It traced the problem to social media scams promising quick visas and lucrative jobs with little or no verification.
Immigration authorities stressed that anyone leaving Nigeria must hold a valid passport and the appropriate visa or entry permit for the destination country. Bypassing official channels violates Nigerian immigration law and international travel regulations.
NIS advised job seekers to confirm foreign employment offers through licensed recruitment agencies and Nigerian embassies. It also warned against paying money to unknown agents who guarantee travel without following due process.
The Service said it is intensifying checks at entry and exit points and working with partner agencies to dismantle trafficking networks. Recent operations have led to the arrest and prosecution of several document forgers and traffickers.
NIS reiterated its mandate to protect Nigerians while facilitating legitimate travel. It urged families and community leaders to educate youths on the dangers of irregular migration and the long-term consequences of using fake documents or unverified job schemes.