Don’t leave the country without valid passports and visas – FG warns Nigerians

By Omeiza Ajayi, ABUJA

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has warned of a rise in fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross‑border activities carried out by individuals and criminal networks across the country. The agency cautions Nigerians that travelling abroad without valid passports, visas or other required documents is illegal and poses serious personal risks.

In a statement signed by its public relations officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, the NIS said criminal networks target vulnerable people, especially young women, with false promises of employment, education and a better life overseas. These schemes often lead to forced labour, human trafficking 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 service added. It emphasized that no legitimate travel process bypasses official immigration procedures or authorised border posts.

The NIS urged the public to be wary of unsolicited offers of sponsorship, travel fares or so‑called “help” to go abroad from unknown or unverified persons, a common tactic used by trafficking networks.

Citizens were advised to verify the authenticity of all travel opportunities and recruitment offers through appropriate government channels, avoid individuals or agents promoting irregular migration, and report suspicious activities, movements or persons involved in such schemes to the nearest NIS office or relevant security agency.

The service also called on parents, guardians and community leaders to remain vigilant and educate young people about the risks of irregular migration and human trafficking.

Those seeking clarification or wishing to report suspicious activities can contact the NIS through its official handles on X, Instagram and Facebook, all under the username @nigimmigration, or via its 24/7 contact centre numbers: 09121900655, 09121556359, and 09121477092. WhatsApp lines 0916087800 and 09117717772, as well as a whistleblower email at nis.actu@immigration.gov.ng, are also available.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains resolute in its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting citizens from exploitation,” the statement read.

The post Don’t leave the country without valid passports, visas – FG warns Nigerians appeared first on Vanguard News.