The Nigeria Immigration Service has raised the alarm over the growing sophistication of human traffickers and migrant smugglers, warning that criminal networks are increasingly relying on encrypted messaging applications, falsified travel documents and cross-border collaborations to evade law enforcement.
The Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, described the trend as disturbing and unacceptable, stressing that Nigeria’s position as a country of origin, transit and destination for irregular migration makes the threat particularly grave.
She spoke on Monday at the NIS headquarters in Abuja during the flag-off of the 2025 Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Day, organised to mark International Migrants Day.
This year’s campaign is themed “Smuggling of Migrants: Emerging Trends, Realities and National Response.”
Nandap warned that the activities of organised smuggling syndicates pose serious risks to human lives, national security, border integrity and public safety, noting that traffickers now deploy advanced digital tools to recruit, deceive and move vulnerable persons.
“From desert crossings to perilous sea journeys, migrants face unimaginable risks, including trafficking, extortion, sexual exploitation, violence and even death,” she said.
“We have also observed a disturbing trend where smugglers operate with increasing sophistication using encrypted messaging apps, falsifying travel documents, coaching migrants on evasion techniques and collaborating with criminal groups across borders.”
Represented at the event by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Works and Logistics, Mrs Ada James Umannah, the Immigration boss said the Service remained determined to dismantle smuggling networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
She disclosed that the NIS has intensified surveillance across Nigeria’s land, sea and air borders through the deployment of modern technology, including a Command and Control Centre that mirrors operational activities nationwide, the Migration Information and Data Analysis System, Advanced Passenger Information Systems, Passenger Name Records and e-gates at international airports.
According to her, Huawei-powered e-border solutions have also been installed at more than 144 border locations across the country to strengthen real-time monitoring and intelligence gathering.
Nandap praised the support of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, noting that recent policy reforms, operational measures, technology deployment and international cooperation have significantly enhanced the Service’s capacity to combat irregular migration and related crimes.
She added that partnerships with regional and global bodies such as ECOWAS, the African Union, the International Organisation for Migration, UNODC, ICMPD, FIIAPP and FRONTEX have boosted capacity-building, data exchange, joint investigations and safe return programmes.
The Comptroller-General also said the Service would intensify community-based sensitisation to discourage irregular migration, particularly among young people who are often lured with false promises of jobs and better opportunities abroad.
“Our awareness campaigns target youths, including NYSC members, students, youth associations and transport unions,” she said, adding that over 200,000 corps members were sensitised nationwide during the 2025 campaign.
She urged Nigerians to embrace safe, orderly and regular migration channels, warning that traffickers thrive on ignorance, desperation and digital deception.
Nandap emphasised that tackling human trafficking and migrant smuggling requires collective action, stressing that government agencies, communities and international partners must work together to confront the evolving menace.
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