… Reaffirms commitment to dismantle migrants smuggling networks
By Palma Ileye
Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, while reaffirming commitment to provide efficient border management has vowed to dismantle migrants smuggling networks also revealing that in its operational achievements, the Border Patrol at Seme Border has denied entry to 332 migrants who did not possess valid travel documents.
In addition, the NIS disclosed that, 294 Nigerian nationals, suspected to be departing as part of the “Japa Syndrome” phenomenon, were refused exit out of concern they may have been engaging in smuggling activities further revealing that 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour were rescued at Seme Border noting that these successes were facilitated by the installation of new CCTV cameras.
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Kemi Nandap disclosed this in her Keynote address at a One-Day Stakeholders Sensitisation seminar themed: “Evolving Patterns In Smuggling Of Migrants: Towards A Coordinated National Response” held in Abuja.
Nandap stated that Nigeria, with its large population and socio-economic diversity, remains both a source, transit and destination country for migrants seeking improved livelihoods and unfortunately, criminal syndicates exploit these aspirations, preying on vulnerable citizens and exposing them to grave risks.
She said that migrant smuggling has become more complex and transnational, driven by well-organised criminal networks and ddressing it requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach rooted in partnership, vigilance, and shared responsibility.
She stressed that a coherent national strategy was essential—one that brings together Government Agencies, International Organisations, Civil Society, and the Private Sector saying that, “Nigeria continues to make progress through active participation in the just concluded Khartoum/Rabat/Niamey Processes held in Lagos, Nigeria from November 4-5,2025, which aimed to foster dialogue, cooperation, and harmonised action against irregular migration.”
She stated that these frameworks have strengthened border governance, improved migration management systems, expanded legal pathways, and enhanced intelligence sharing across origin, transit, and destination countries.
Highlighting the recent efforts of the Nigeria Immigration Service, the NIS boss said that in Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks, the Service, has continued to review and update key legal instruments, SOPs, and MoUs to address emerging migration trends and operational challenges.
“Public Awareness campaigns and Advocacy – This year alone, more than 577,200 NYSC Members were sensitised on the dangers of irregular migration. The 2025 Nationwide Anti-Smuggling Sensitization Campaign, launched in Lagos, is now active across States, reaching schools, markets, worship centres, and motor parks. Plans are also underway to establish Anti-Smuggling Clubs in schools and within the NYSC Community Development Service structure.
“Capacity Building – Through strong partnerships, we have expanded training programmes and enhanced the ability of our personnel to detect, prevent, and respond effectively to smuggling activities.
“Enhanced Partnerships – We continue to deepen cooperation with AU, ECOWAS, EU, IOM, UNODC, FIIAP, ICMPD, INTERPOL, and the Federal German Police, and other partners to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations, and coordinated interventions.
“Operational Achievements – Recently, the Border Patrol at Seme Border denied entry to 332 migrants who did not possess valid travel documents. In addition, 294 Nigerian nationals, suspected to be departing as part of the “Japa Syndrome” phenomenon, were refused exit out of concern they may have been engaging in smuggling activities. Furthermore, 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour were rescued at Seme Border. These successes were facilitated by the installation of new CCTV cameras,” she said.
Nandap stressed that the discussions at the seminar, was a reminder that the fight against the Smuggling of Migrants was not only a security imperative but also a moral responsibility stressing that every smuggled migrant represents a life placed at risk, a family disrupted, and a community robbed of its potential.
She said, “Our collective duty is to ensure that no Nigerian is left vulnerable to exploitation or deception. As we strengthen our legal frameworks, expand public awareness, and deepen partnerships, let us also reaffirm our commitment to coordinated action. No single institution can confront this crime alone. It requires synergy across agencies, across communities, and across borders.”
The Comptroller General, urged all stakeholders, Government bodies, International Organisations, Civil Society, Faith-based groups, Educators, and the Private Sector—to continue working together with determination and clarity of purpose adding that, “Our success depends on our ability to act as one national front, guided by the principles of protection, accountability, and human dignity. Let us leave this seminar not just informed, but mobilised. Together, we can build a Nigeria where safe, orderly, and regular migration is the norm—and where the criminal economy of migrant smuggling finds no space to thrive.”
