By Ibironke Ariyo
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has sensitised no fewer than 577,200 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to the dangers of irregular migration.
The NIS Comptroller General, Mrs Kemi Nandap, disclosed this during a one-day stakeholders sensitisation with the theme “Evolving Patterns in Smuggling of Migrants: Towards a Coordinated National Response” held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Nandap said that Smuggling of Migrants (SoM) had been a challenge that continued to threaten the safety, dignity, and future of many Nigerians.
“This gathering offers us an important platform to better understand the evolving nature of this crime and to reinforce our commitment to a coordinated national response,” she said.
Nandap said that Nigeria, with its large population and socio-economic diversity, remained both a source, transit and destination country for migrants seeking improved livelihoods.
She said that unfortunately, criminal syndicates exploit these aspirations, preying on vulnerable citizens and exposing them to grave risks.
She noted that migrant smuggling had become more complex and transnational, driven by well-organised criminal networks, adding that addressing it required a comprehensive and collaborative approach.
This, she said, was rooted in partnership, vigilance, and shared responsibility.
She said that a coherent national strategy was essential, one that brings together government agencies, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector.
“Nigeria continues to make progress through active participation in the just concluded Khartoum/Rabat/Niamey Processes held in Lagos, Nigeria from November 4 and 5.
“The event aimed to foster dialogue, cooperation, and harmonised action against irregular migration.
“These frameworks have strengthened border governance, improved migration management systems, expanded legal pathways, and enhanced intelligence sharing across origin, transit, and destination countries.”
“In our public awareness campaigns and advocacy this year alone, more than 577,200 NYSC members were sensitised.
“The 2025 Nationwide Anti-Smuggling Sensitisation Campaign, launched in Lagos, is now active across states, reaching schools, markets, worship centres, and motor parks,” she said.
Nandap assured that plans were also underway to establish Anti-Smuggling Clubs in schools and within the NYSC Community Development Service structure.
She assured that the service would continue to review and update key legal instruments, SOPs, and MoUs to address emerging migration trends and operational challenges.
In her remarks, Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Ngozi Odikpo called for a coordinated national response to address the evolving patterns in the smuggling of migrants across the country.
Odikpo said the gathering was not only to share knowledge, but also to strengthen partnerships that would help tackle the complex and multifaceted challenge of migrant smuggling.
She noted that migrant smuggling transcends borders and affects individuals, families and communities across Nigeria and beyond.
“The heartbreaking stories of those who fall prey to smugglers remind us of the human cost behind this phenomenon,” she said.
The DCG observed that in recent years, the smuggling of migrants had become increasingly sophisticated, driven by several push factors that demand urgent attention.
According to her, the trend poses significant challenges not only to law enforcement agencies but also to humanitarian efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable persons.
Odikpo stressed the need for a coordinated and inclusive national response involving all stakeholders to effectively combat the menace.
“As we discuss the patterns of irregular migration and smuggling today, I urge each of you to share your insights and experiences.
“Your diverse expertise will be invaluable in crafting effective policies and strategies. It is crucial that we engage in open dialogue, learn from one another, and establish networks that allow us to respond swiftly and effectively to this complex issue.”
Participants at the event included UNODC, Nigeria Police Force, Navy, British High Commission, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
