The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to Nigerians against travelling out of the country without valid passports, visas and proper immigration documents, following a growing rise in illegal migration and human trafficking activities.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said many Nigerians, especially young people, are falling victim to dangerous migration scams organised by criminal networks promising fake jobs, education opportunities and better lives abroad.
In a statement released on Monday, the agency revealed that several vulnerable Nigerians have been deceived into travelling illegally, only to end up trapped in forced labour, exploitation, trafficking and other life-threatening situations.
According to the NIS, leaving Nigeria through unauthorised routes or without proper travel documents is against the law and exposes individuals to serious danger.
“It is illegal to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa and other required travel documents,” the immigration service stated.
The agency stressed that no legitimate international travel process bypasses official immigration procedures or recognised border posts.
The NIS also warned Nigerians to be careful of strangers or agents offering free travel sponsorship, fake employment opportunities or promises of easy relocation abroad.
According to the service, such tactics are commonly used by trafficking syndicates to lure unsuspecting victims into illegal migration networks.
The immigration agency advised Nigerians to properly verify all travel offers and recruitment opportunities through official government channels before making any commitments.
Citizens were also encouraged to avoid dealing with unverified travel agents and to report suspicious movements or activities linked to human trafficking and illegal migration.
The NIS further appealed to parents, guardians and community leaders to educate young people about the dangers of irregular migration and the risks involved in attempting to leave the country illegally.
To strengthen public awareness and reporting, the agency shared its official communication channels, including its verified social media accounts and emergency contact numbers for whistleblowers and victims seeking assistance.
The immigration service reassured Nigerians that it remains committed to protecting citizens and securing the country’s borders against criminal activities linked to trafficking and illegal migration.
The warning comes amid increasing reports of Nigerians being stranded, exploited or arrested abroad after travelling through illegal routes and fake migration schemes.
Source: Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS)
