The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a community-wide campaign across Katsina State to raise awareness about the dangers of migrant smuggling and irregular migration. Titled “Migrants Smuggling is Dangerous: Do Not Fall Prey,” this initiative aims to inform residents about the severe risks linked with following irregular migration routes. As a major border state, Katsina plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s migration landscape, making community engagement in this campaign highly significant.
At the launch event in Katsina, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nnandap, highlighted the NIS’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders to protect citizens from the dangers of irregular migration. Represented by Alkasim Yunusa from the NIS Headquarters in Abuja, Nnandap explained that illegal routes expose migrants to a range of hazards, including kidnapping, organ trafficking, forced labor, and involvement in international crime syndicates.
Nnandap emphasized that smugglers often convince migrants to take undocumented routes to avoid detection, which leaves them vulnerable to exploitation. He warned that choosing irregular paths frequently results in people facing inhumane conditions or, tragically, never reaching their destinations. This campaign aims to shed light on these risks to prevent Nigerians from falling victim to such practices.
The NIS Comptroller of the Jibia Border Command, Mr. Haruna Zakirai, also addressed attendees, urging those considering migration to follow legal processes. Zakirai advised that migration, when done legally, is safer and offers more opportunities for migrants. He warned that irregular migration, on the other hand, often ends in exploitation, particularly in North African transit countries where migrants face numerous threats.
Suleiman Yusuf, the Deputy Comptroller in Katsina, echoed these warnings and called for community support to tackle migrant smuggling. He noted that women, youths, and children are especially vulnerable, underscoring the need for everyone in the community to collaborate with the NIS to prevent further harm.
In support of this campaign, Abdullahi Ibrahim, Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Katsina, pledged that union members would remain vigilant. Ibrahim committed to reporting any suspected illegal migrant activity to the NIS, ensuring that the union would help prevent further migrant exploitation at transit points.
Alhaji Musa Dalhatu, representing the District Head of Batagarawa, highlighted how traffickers often exploit people by promising them jobs abroad. Dalhatu urged the NIS to increase efforts at border security by using technology, which would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat migrant smuggling.
This campaign in Katsina represents a proactive approach by the NIS to involve local communities in the fight against migrant smuggling. By working closely with community leaders and transportation authorities, the NIS is sending a strong message about the importance of safe and legal migration.