The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has intervened in 662 cases of migrant smuggling at Seme Border and across Nigeria’s ports of exit. Officials denied entry to 332 migrants without valid travel documents, blocked exit for 294 Nigerians suspected of involvement in smuggling and rescued 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour, aided by newly installed CCTV cameras.
Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap said the country is intensifying efforts to combat migrant smuggling at the One-Day Stakeholders Sensitization Seminar on “Evolving Patterns in Smuggling of Migrants: Towards a Coordinated National Response.”
Nandap, highlighted the growing threat posed by criminal syndicates exploiting vulnerable Nigerians seeking better livelihoods.
However , she said the operations thwarting these criminal acts demonstrate NIS’s growing capacity to protect citizens and combat irregular migration. Nandap noted that migrant smuggling has become increasingly transnational and sophisticated, requiring strong national coordination and international cooperation.
Nandap highlighted Nigeria’s participation in the Khartoum/Rabat/Niamey Processes held in Lagos from November 4-5, 2025. These initiatives strengthened border governance, enhanced migration management systems, and improved intelligence sharing between origin, transit, and destination countries.
Domestically, NIS has updated legal frameworks and operational procedures to address emerging smuggling patterns. Public awareness campaigns reached over 577,200 NYSC members, while the 2025 Nationwide Anti-Smuggling Sensitization Campaign now covers schools, markets, worship centres, and motor parks. Plans are also underway to establish Anti-Smuggling Clubs within schools and NYSC Community Development Service structures.
International partnerships remain crucial. NIS collaborates with AU, ECOWAS, EU, IOM, UNODC, FIIAP, ICMPD, INTERPOL, and the Federal German Police to facilitate intelligence sharing, joint operations, and coordinated interventions.
Nandap emphasised that the fight against migrant smuggling is both a security and moral imperative. “Every smuggled migrant represents a life at risk, a family disrupted, and a community deprived of potential,” he said. He called on stakeholders to act together, guided by protection, accountability, and human dignity.
Through strengthened operations, public awareness, and partnerships, Nigeria aims to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration while denying criminal networks the opportunity to exploit citizens.
