The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a public advisory warning of a rise in fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border activities across the country.
In a statement signed by Service Public Relations Officer DCI AS Akinlabi on 25 May 2026, the service said criminal networks were targeting vulnerable people, particularly young women and girls, with deceptive offers of employment, education and opportunities abroad.
It warned that such schemes often lead to forced labour, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
The service stressed that it is illegal to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa and other required documents, adding that doing so poses serious dangers.
It clarified that no genuine travel process bypasses official immigration procedures or authorised border posts, and urged the public to be cautious of unsolicited offers of sponsorship, travel fare or "help" to go abroad from unknown or unverified persons.
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Members of the public were advised to confirm the authenticity of travel and recruitment offers through appropriate government channels, avoid dealing with individuals or agents who promote irregular migration, and report suspicious activities to the nearest immigration formation or other security agencies.
The service also called on parents, guardians and community leaders to remain vigilant and educate young people on the risks of irregular migration and trafficking in persons.
For clarification or to report cases, the NIS said the public could contact it through its verified channels.
These include X, Instagram and Facebook at @nigimmigration, contact centre numbers 09121900655, 09121556359 and 09121477092 available 24/7, WhatsApp numbers 0916087800 and 09117772, and the whistleblower email nis.actu@immigration.gov.ng.
The service announced it remained committed to securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting citizens from exploitation.
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