Manny Ita –
The Nigeria Immigration Service has warned Nigerians about the increasing activities of fraudsters and criminal networks involved in fake migration and illegal travel schemes.
In a statement released in Abuja, the agency said many vulnerable Nigerians — especially young women and girls — are being deceived with false promises of jobs, education, and better opportunities abroad. According to the Service, many victims later end up in forced labour, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
The agency stressed that travelling out of Nigeria without valid passports, visas, and proper documentation is illegal and dangerous. It also noted that no genuine travel process bypasses official immigration procedures or authorised border posts.
The Service advised Nigerians to be cautious of strangers offering sponsorships, travel assistance, or relocation opportunities that cannot be verified.
For complaints and inquiries, the agency provided 24-hour contact numbers: 09121900655, 09121556359, and 09121477092, as well as WhatsApp lines 09160878000 and 09117717772. Suspected trafficking and illegal migration cases can also be reported via email at nis.actu@immigration.gov.ng.
The agency further urged Nigerians to avoid agents and groups promoting irregular migration, warning that such schemes often put lives at risk and expose victims to abuse abroad.
The warning comes shortly after the Immigration Service dismissed false claims that a religious organisation was linked to its passport payment portal, insisting that its official application and payment system remains secure and government-approved.
