The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) recently carried out an important sensitization campaign across Rivers State, urging residents to avoid involvement in illegal migration, smuggling, and human trafficking. The campaign, which is part of a nationwide initiative, aims to curb the dangerous trend of Nigerians migrating illegally and prevent the smuggling of individuals seeking better opportunities abroad. The NIS is working to raise awareness of the risks involved in these practices and to highlight the severe consequences they can have on individuals and families.
During the sensitization event in Port Harcourt, Yabagi Abdulmajeed, the Comptroller of NIS, Rivers State Command, explained that the campaign was initiated by the Comptroller General of NIS. The aim is to conduct these sensitization efforts in states with borders linking Nigeria to other countries. Abdulmajeed emphasized that illegal migration and human trafficking are widespread issues that affect the country’s economy and contribute to rising criminality. He expressed concern about the lengths people go to, risking their lives and futures, in pursuit of an opportunity to migrate illegally, often under the false belief that they will achieve economic success abroad.
Abdulmajeed also pointed out the disturbing trend of families encouraging these illegal actions. Some parents, driven by economic hardship, willingly send their children abroad without considering the severe risks involved. He stressed that many families are unaware of the devastating impact this has, not only on the individuals involved but also on society as a whole. He noted that the NIS, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other security agencies, is working hard to curb these activities and to sensitize the public about the dangers of trafficking and smuggling.
The NIS has focused on educating local communities, especially parents, to better understand the negative outcomes of engaging in or supporting illegal migration and human trafficking. Abdulmajeed mentioned that while many families may view such actions as a quick way to improve their circumstances, the truth is that they often end in tragedy. It is crucial, he added, to engage with communities at a grassroots level to change these harmful behaviors.
Another key component of the NIS’s approach is collaboration with other security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Customs Service, and the police. By working together, these agencies aim to combat the various forms of illegal migration, smuggling, and trafficking. Abdulmajeed emphasized that this unified effort is vital for tackling these issues at the borders and within communities. The sensitization campaign, which is taking place in various states across Nigeria, aims to reduce illegal migration to the minimum.
Gift Nzekwe, Assistant Comptroller at the Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Unit at NIS Headquarters in Abuja, also spoke at the sensitization event held at the Rumuwoji Mile 1 Market in Port Harcourt. She encouraged residents to avoid illegal routes when traveling abroad. Nzekwe highlighted the dangers associated with illegal migration, pointing out that many Nigerians who attempt to migrate illegally have suffered severe consequences, including organ loss, financial loss, and even death. She stressed that legal migration is the safest option, urging individuals to go through the proper channels by obtaining passports, securing visas from the appropriate embassies, and purchasing legitimate tickets.
The Deputy Comptroller of the Migration Section at the Rivers Command, Faith Onongbu, further elaborated on the NIS’s approach, explaining that the sensitization efforts are taking place in a variety of locations, including schools, markets, and churches. These venues are targeted to reach as many people as possible, particularly young individuals who might be considering migrating abroad without proper plans. Onongbu mentioned that staff and students at Landmark School Hospitality had already been sensitized, and the campaign would continue to spread awareness in other community spaces.
The Nigerian Immigration Service’s sensitization program is a crucial step in educating Nigerians about the dangers of illegal migration and human trafficking. By engaging with communities directly, especially in border states like Rivers, the NIS hopes to reduce the incidence of these practices. The NIS, along with other security agencies, is committed to providing safer alternatives for Nigerians who wish to work or travel abroad, ensuring that they do so legally and without putting their lives at risk. This nationwide campaign is not only a plea for individuals to protect themselves but also a call to families and communities to actively participate in safeguarding the future of the nation’s youth.