The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, has expressed concern over the increasing use of encrypted messaging platforms, forged travel documents and other sophisticated methods by human traffickers and migrant smugglers to evade arrest.
Describing the trend as disturbing and unacceptable, Nandap said the growing influence of organised smuggling networks poses serious threats to human lives, national security, border integrity and public safety.
“Recognising that Nigeria is a key country of origin, transit and destination, the NIS cannot ignore these developments. They threaten not only human life, but also national security, border integrity and public safety,” she said.
She assured that the Service remains determined to stay ahead of criminal networks, dismantle all known smuggling operations and bring perpetrators to justice.
According to her, the NIS has deployed cutting-edge technologies across the country’s 144 border points and strengthened strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders to combat migrant smuggling and other cross-border crimes.
Nandap made the remarks at the NIS headquarters in Abuja during the flag-off of the 2025 Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Day, held as part of activities marking International Migrants Day. The 2025 theme is “Smuggling of Migrants: Emerging Trends, Realities and National Response.”
Represented at the event by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Works and Logistics, Mrs Ada James Umannah, the Comptroller-General said the Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Week would focus on awareness creation, solidarity and renewed commitment to the global fight against migrant smuggling.
She noted that the theme speaks directly to the realities confronting Nigeria, West Africa and the global community, stressing that collective action is required to curb the menace of human trafficking.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service is intentional about this theme because it challenges us not only to acknowledge the dynamics of irregular migration, but to deepen our resolve in dismantling the criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals in search of hope,” she said.
Nandap highlighted emerging dangers faced by migrants, including trafficking, extortion, sexual exploitation, violence and death, noting that smugglers now operate with greater sophistication through digital recruitment, falsified documents, coaching on evasion techniques and collaboration with transnational criminal groups.
She also commended the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his support, noting that his policy reforms, operational strategies, technology deployment and international cooperation have significantly strengthened the Service’s operations.
According to her, the NIS has enhanced surveillance across land, sea and air borders through technology-driven solutions such as the Command and Control Centre, Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), Advanced Passenger Information Systems (APIS), Passenger Name Records (PNR), e-gates at international airports, and Huawei-powered e-border solutions deployed nationwide.
She added that partnerships with organisations including ECOWAS, the African Union, IOM, UNODC, ICMPD, FIIAPP and FRONTEX have improved capacity building, data sharing, joint investigations and safe return programmes.
Nandap further disclosed that the Service would intensify community and institutional sensitisation on the dangers of irregular migration, noting that many migrants are deceived by false promises of opportunities abroad.
“Our awareness campaigns target young people, including Corps Members, students at all levels, youth associations and transport unions,” she said.
She revealed that in 2025 alone, over 200,000 National Youth Service Corps members were sensitised nationwide, alongside broader public outreach during the Service’s sensitisation campaigns.
“Our messages focus on the techniques used by smuggling networks, digital recruitment, false job offers abroad, and the importance of using safe, orderly and regular migration channels,” the Comptroller-General added.