Immigration Blocks 332 Irregular Migrants, Declares War On Smuggling Networks

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, has reaffirmed the Service’s determination to dismantle migrant smuggling networks and protect Nigerians from exploitation.

Speaking at a one-day Stakeholders Sensitisation Seminar on “Evolving Patterns in Smuggling of Migrants: Towards a Coordinated National Response”, held in Abuja, the CGI revealed that the NIS has blocked 332
irregular migrants from entering Nigeria, while also preventing 294 Nigerians from departing the country irregularly in what she described as part of a “renewed war against smuggling syndicates and illegal migration.”

This is as she disclosed that 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour were recently rescued by NIS officers at the Seme Border, following enhanced border surveillance supported by new CCTV installations and strengthened patrol systems.

According to her, “Migrant smuggling has become more complex and transnational, driven by well-organised criminal networks. Every smuggled migrant represents a life placed at risk, a family disrupted, and a community robbed of its potential. This fight is not only a security imperative; it is a moral responsibility.”

The NIS boss noted that Nigeria has intensified coordination through regional partnerships, including the recently concluded Khartoum, Rabat, and Niamey Processes hosted in Lagos, which focused on strengthening cooperation, dialogue, and intelligence sharing among countries of origin, transit, and destination.

She emphasised the Service’s commitment to a coordinated national strategy involving government agencies, civil society, international partners, and the private sector.

Highlighting recent institutional progress, the CGI said the NIS continued to review its legal frameworks, strengthen operational procedures, and expand capacity-building programs to enhance personnel readiness against emerging smuggling trends.

Nandap also noted that over 577,200 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have been sensitised nationwide on the dangers of irregular migration through ongoing advocacy campaigns in schools, markets, worship centres, and transport hubs.

“Our success depends on our ability to act as one national front, guided by protection, accountability, and human dignity,” she said. “No single institution can confront this crime alone—it requires synergy across agencies, communities, and borders.”

The NIS boss further urged all stakeholders, government bodies, international organisations, faith-based groups, and community leaders, to sustain cooperation and vigilance in the collective effort to end the criminal economy of migrant smuggling.