RismadarVoice Reporters, May 25, 2026
The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has cautioned Nigerians against leaving the country without valid travel documents, warning that such actions are illegal and expose travellers to serious risks.
The warning comes amid rising concerns over fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border movements allegedly orchestrated by criminal networks targeting vulnerable citizens.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, the NIS said unsuspecting Nigerians particularly young people are being lured with fake promises of employment, education opportunities, and better living conditions abroad.
According to the Service, many of these schemes end in human trafficking, forced labour, and other forms of exploitation.
“It is illegal to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa, and other required documents, and doing so poses serious dangers,” the statement warned.
The NIS stressed that legitimate international travel must follow approved immigration procedures and must not bypass official border control systems.
It also urged Nigerians to be cautious of unsolicited offers of sponsorship, travel assistance, or job opportunities from unverified individuals, noting that such offers are often used by trafficking syndicates.
Members of the public were advised to verify all travel and recruitment offers through appropriate government channels and to report suspicious activities to security agencies or the nearest NIS office.
The Service further called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to sensitise young people on the dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking.
It provided official communication channels for reporting and enquiries, including its social media handles @nigimmigration and dedicated phone lines and email addresses for public assistance.
Reaffirming its commitment to border security, the NIS said it will continue to strengthen measures aimed at preventing illegal migration and protecting Nigerians from exploitation.
