NIS Reaffirms Commitment To Curb Migrant Smuggling
By Bukar BOLORI
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has reaffirmed its determination to combat migrant smuggling and protect the rights and safety of migrants.
The commitment was made on Monday as the country joined the global community to commemorate International Migrants Day.
Speaking at the Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Day event in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, described migrant smuggling as a serious transnational crime that threatens human lives, national security, and border integrity.
The Comptroller-General, who was represented by a Deputy Comptroller General, Ada Umannah, noted that criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling have become increasingly sophisticated, exploiting digital platforms, falsifying travel documents, and collaborating across borders to deceive and endanger vulnerable individuals seeking better opportunities abroad.
According to her, Nigeria’s strategic position as a country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants makes it imperative for the Service to continuously adapt its strategies to counter emerging trends in irregular migration.
She disclosed that the NIS, with the support of the Ministry of Interior led by Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has strengthened border management through policy reforms, improved intelligence gathering, and the deployment of modern technology.
These include the establishment of a Command and Control Centre, the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), Advanced Passenger Information Systems (APIS), Passenger Name Records (PNR), e-gates at international airports, and electronic border solutions at over 144 border locations nationwide.
The Comptroller-General further highlighted the role of international cooperation in addressing migrant smuggling, citing partnerships with regional and global organisations such as ECOWAS, the African Union, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNODC, ICMPD, FIIAPP, and FRONTEX.
She said these collaborations have enhanced capacity-building, joint investigations, and safe return programmes.
Nandap said in addition to enforcement efforts, there is need public awareness, noting that many migrants fall victim to smugglers due to false promises of employment and better living conditions abroad.
She revealed that in 2025 alone, more than 200,000 National Youth Service Corps members were sensitised on the dangers of irregular migration, alongside extensive nationwide outreach campaigns targeting youths, students, transport unions, and community groups.
Nandap, while reaffirming the Service’s commitment, pledged that the NIS would continue to dismantle smuggling networks, protect vulnerable migrants—particularly women and children—and uphold the dignity and human rights of all migrants, regardless of their status.
She also called for collective action, stressing that the fight against migrant smuggling requires the involvement of families, communities, civil society organisations, the media, and international partners.
