The Nigeria Immigration Service has officially begun a nationwide campaign aimed at stopping the smuggling of migrants across the country. The campaign was launched to raise awareness among citizens about the dangers of illegal migration and to encourage people to follow safe and legal migration channels.
According to a statement released by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Akinlabi ACI, the awareness exercise will take place in different batches in several states. These include Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Cross River, Kano, Rivers, Sokoto, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Benue, Katsina, Plateau, Edo, and Kebbi. The campaign is scheduled to run between November 2nd and 13th, 2025.
The purpose of the campaign is to help people understand how migrant smuggling works, who is at risk, and how to identify suspicious activities. Migrant smuggling often leads to exploitation, unsafe travel conditions, and in many cases, loss of life. The Service says preventing such crimes begins with educating the public.
As part of the exercise, the Immigration Service will be organizing community sensitization programs, visits to key local groups, and stakeholder meetings. There will also be strong media advocacy through radio, television, and public spaces to make sure the message reaches both rural and urban communities.
The agency explained that many victims of migrant smuggling are misled with promises of good jobs abroad, only to face harsh conditions, trafficking, or detention. By providing the correct information, the campaign hopes to save lives and protect families from avoidable suffering.
This effort also supports the Service’s ongoing work to strengthen border governance. The Nigeria Immigration Service says improved border control and public cooperation are important for national security, especially in preventing crimes linked to illegal migration networks.
In addition to security, the campaign is aimed at promoting safe and orderly migration. The Service wants Nigerians to know that there are lawful and supported routes for working or traveling abroad, and that choosing illegal channels can lead to danger.
The Nigeria Immigration Service says it remains committed to protecting citizens and ensuring that the movement of people across the country’s borders is safe, legal, and well-regulated for the benefit of national development.