Immigration Foils Irregular Migration Attempt, Stops 626 Persons At Seme Border

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nandap, has disclosed that the Service recently intercepted 626 individuals involved in irregular migration activities at the Seme Border.

According to Nandap, 294 Nigerians were stopped from leaving the country, while 332 foreigners were denied entry into Nigeria after failing to meet immigration requirements.

She made this known in Abuja during a one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation seminar with the theme: “Evolving Patterns in Smuggling of Migrants: Towards a Coordinated National Response.”

The Immigration chief warned that the growing sophistication of migrant-smuggling syndicates poses a grave threat to national security, economic stability, and the safety of citizens, stressing the need for coordinated efforts across all levels of government and society.

“Nigeria remains both a source, transit, and destination country for migrants seeking better opportunities. Sadly, criminal networks exploit these aspirations, exposing victims to danger and exploitation,” Nandap said.

She explained that the operation at Seme Border, which also led to the rescue of 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour, was made possible through improved surveillance and intelligence, including the deployment of new CCTV systems.

Nandap noted that the Service continues to strengthen collaboration with regional and international partners such as the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, European Union (EU), International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNODC, INTERPOL, FIIAP, ICMPD, and the German Federal Police to enhance intelligence sharing and joint operations.

“We are deepening partnerships to ensure effective border governance and to dismantle migrant-smuggling syndicates through coordinated interventions,” she added.

The NIS boss revealed that more than 577,200 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been sensitised on the dangers of irregular migration under the ongoing 2025 Nationwide Anti-Smuggling Campaign. She also announced plans to establish Anti-Smuggling Clubs in schools and NYSC Community Development Service units.

Highlighting Nigeria’s active participation in recent regional dialogues such as the Khartoum, Rabat, and Niamey Processes held in Lagos, Nandap said the engagements had improved cooperation among African nations in tackling irregular migration.

Calling for a united front, she urged government agencies, civil society, faith-based organisations, educators, and the private sector to rally behind a national strategy guided by protection, accountability, and human dignity.

“Every smuggled migrant represents a life endangered and a community deprived of its potential. We must act collectively to safeguard our citizens from exploitation,” she emphasised.

The one-day sensitisation seminar attracted representatives of law enforcement agencies, international organisations, and community leaders, all pledging support for a safer and better-regulated migration system in Nigeria.