November 05, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a nationwide Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) campaign aimed at curbing irregular migration and protecting vulnerable citizens from trafficking and exploitation.
The initiative, introduced under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, seeks to strengthen public awareness and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to safe and orderly migration.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Service Public Relations Officer, ACI AS Akinlabi, said the campaign is focused on deepening collaboration with communities, security agencies and other stakeholders in detecting and reporting activities linked to migrant smuggling and transnational crimes.
The NIS expressed concern that irregular migration continues to pose national security risks and exposes many young Nigerians to human exploitation as they seek opportunities abroad.
The sensitisation exercise, which began on November 2 in Lagos, is being implemented in phases across the country. It will move to Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Jigawa, Edo, and Kebbi from November 4 to 7, then to Cross River, Sokoto and Kano from November 6 to 9. The final phase will cover Rivers, Kaduna, Kwara, Benue, Katsina and Plateau from November 10 to 13.
According to the Service, the outreach involves town-hall meetings, advocacy visits, media engagements and grassroots mobilisation aimed at promoting safer migration choices and discouraging involvement with smuggling syndicates.
The NIS described migrant smuggling as a highly organised, profit-driven criminal network exploiting economic hardship and limited legal migration pathways.
“This effort reflects the Service’s commitment to strengthening border governance, enhancing migration management and promoting community-driven national security,” the statement added.
The campaign also aligns with ongoing border reforms and biometric technology upgrades designed to tighten the country’s migration control system.
As the exercise progresses, the NIS urged traditional institutions, youth groups, civil society organisations and local communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, warning that individuals involved in migrant smuggling will be prosecuted under existing laws.
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