332 migrants denied entry, 294 Nigerians stopped from illegal exit — Immigration CG
Kemi Nandap, the comptroller general of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), says the service recently denied entry to 332 migrants at the Seme border for failing to present valid travel documents.
Nandap spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ sensitisation seminar on the smuggling of migrants (SoM), where she outlined recent operational achievements and ongoing reforms aimed at curbing irregular migration.
She also disclosed that 294 Nigerian nationals suspected of attempting to leave the country irregularly — in what she described as part of the “Japa syndrome” phenomenon — were stopped from departing.
According to her, the immigration’s border patrol operations have become more effective with the installation of new CCTV systems and the strengthening of inter-agency collaboration.
“Recently, the Border Patrol at Seme Border denied entry to 332 migrants who did not possess valid travel documents,” she said.
“In addition, 294 Nigerian nationals, suspected to be departing as part of the ‘Japa Syndrome’ phenomenon, were refused exit out of concern they may have been engaging in smuggling activities.”
The immigration chief added that 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour were rescued during the same period, as the service continues to intensify efforts against migrant smuggling and related crimes.
Nandap said Nigeria’s migration management efforts have been strengthened through participation in regional frameworks such as the Khartoum, Rabat, and Niamey Processes, which promote cooperation on border governance, legal migration pathways, and intelligence sharing.
She emphasised that tackling the smuggling of migrants requires synergy among government agencies, civil society, and international partners, noting that the NIS is working closely with organisations including ECOWAS, the African Union, IOM, INTERPOL, and the Federal German Police.
“Every smuggled migrant represents a life placed at risk, a family disrupted, and a community robbed of its potential. Our collective duty is to ensure that no Nigerian is left vulnerable to exploitation or deception,” she added.
Nandap called on stakeholders to support ongoing awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives, including the proposed establishment of Anti-Smuggling Clubs in schools and NYSC community service groups, to educate young people on the dangers of irregular migration.
