Japa: Nigeria Immigration sensitises 577,200 Corps members to dangers of irregular migration, human dignity

*Mrs. Kemi Nandap, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, proffers solution tackling the menace of Smuggling of Migrants, which has been a challenge that threatens the safety, dignity, and future of several Nigerians

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Against the backdrop of the recent surge in patterns in smuggling of migrants across continents, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has disclosed it sensitised over 577,200 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to the dangers of irregular migration.

ConsumerConnect reports the NIS organised a one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation forum with the theme: “Evolving Patterns in Smuggling of Migrants: Towards a Coordinated National Response”, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in Abuja, FCT.

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Speaking at the programme, Mrs. Kemi Nandap, Comptroller-General (CG) of the Nigeria Immigration Service, stressed the Smuggling of Migrants (SoM) has been a challenge that continues to threaten the safety, dignity, and future of many Nigerians.

Nandap stated: “This gathering offers us an important platform to better understand the evolving nature of this crime and to reinforce our commitment to a coordinated national response.”

She also noted that Nigeria, with its relatively huge population and socio-economic diversity, has remained both a source, transit, and destination country for migrants seeking improved livelihoods.

The Comptroller-General, however, observed that criminal syndicates do exploit these aspirations, preying on vulnerable citizens and exposing them to grave risks.

According to her, migrant smuggling has become more complex and transnational, and itil is driven by well-organised criminal networks.

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She hinted that addressing the menace would require a comprehensive and collaborative approach with stakeholders.

This was rooted in partnership, vigilance, and shared responsibility, Nandap said.

As regards the modus operandi of addressing the issue, she further said that a coherent national strategy was essential; that is one that brings together government agencies, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector.

The CG noted: “Nigeria continues to make progress through active participation in the just concluded Khartoum/Rabat/Niamey Processes held in Lagos, Nigeria from November 4 and 5.

“The event aimed to foster dialogue, cooperation, and harmonised action against irregular migration.

“These frameworks have strengthened border governance, improved migration management systems, expanded legal pathways, and enhanced intelligence sharing across origin, transit, and destination countries.”

Nandap said: “In our public awareness campaigns and advocacy this year alone, more than 577,200 NYSC members were sensitised.

“The 2025 Nationwide Anti-Smuggling Sensitisation Campaign, launched in Lagos, is now active across states, reaching schools, markets, worship centres, and motor parks.”

She as well assured Nigerians that plans are underway to establish Anti-Smuggling Clubs in schools, colleges, and within the NYSC Community Development Service (CDS) structure.

The Comptroller-General added that the Service would continue to review and update key legal instruments, SOPs, and MoUs to address emerging migration trends and operational challenges in Nigeria.