The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has advised Nigerian youths to be careful of migrant smugglers and traffickers who use tricks to lure victims into dangerous irregular migration.
Speaking in Abuja during the screening of an infomercial on migrant smuggling organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), NIS Chief Superintendent Kazeem Otitoloju explained that smugglers always find new routes and methods whenever one pathway is blocked.
He noted that since young people make up about 60 percent of Nigeria’s population, they have become the main target of smugglers. “Youths are the targets now, and we know information spreads very fast among you. That is why we are here to sensitise you about the dangers, the threats, and the tricks they use,” he said.
Mr. Otitoloju also highlighted that many Nigerians wish to travel abroad, popularly called “japa.” He stressed that it is important for youths to know the warning signs and always migrate legally. He added that safe, regular, and orderly migration is the only way to avoid falling into the hands of traffickers.
In his goodwill message, Yusuf Abiodun, founder and executive director of iLEAD Africa, encouraged young people to use digital technology and social media to promote safe migration. He explained that since youths are the most active users of digital platforms, they can play a big role in spreading the right information to others.
Mr. Abiodun also pointed out that many irregular migrants are not poor but lack proper information about migration requirements. He expressed hope that the workshop would have a long-term impact, helping participants share what they learned with peers, colleagues, and communities.
The project was carried out in partnership with NIS, iLEAD Africa, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and WOTCLEF.