The Immigration Service has issued a warning to youths to be cautious of the tricks used by smugglers and traffickers who lure people into illegal migration.
Chief Superintendent of Immigration, Mr. Kazeem Otitoloju, delivered this message on Wednesday in Abuja, during a screening of an informative video about human smuggling, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Otitoloju pointed out that smugglers often change their methods and routes when one way is blocked.
“Since young people make up about 60 percent of Nigeria’s population, they are a prime target for these criminals.
“Young people are the main targets, and we know that information spreads quickly among you,” he said.
He emphasized the need for youth to be aware of the dangers and deceptive tactics used to attract them.
According to him, many Nigerians dream of traveling abroad, a trend popularly known as “japa,” so it’s crucial for them to recognize warning signs and understand that migration should be done legally.
Otitoloju hopes that by the end of the program, participants will be better informed to make safe travel choices and share this knowledge with their friends.
“For safe travel, it’s important to go through the right channels and avoid illegal paths. This will help us combat the threat of human smuggling,” he added.
In a supportive message, the Executive Director of iLEAD Africa, Mr. Yusuf Abiodun, encouraged young Nigerians to use technology and social media to promote safe and legal migration.
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Abiodun believes that young people can make a big difference, as they are the most active users of digital platforms.
“They can help share important information that encourages safe ways to migrate.
“This training will not only help those in the room but also enable them to pass on what they learn to their friends and colleagues,” he said.
He pointed out that many people who migrate illegally are not necessarily lacking resources; rather, they often don’t have the right information about what is needed to travel legally.
“Some think that having a passport or visa is enough, but many countries have additional requirements. People need to be informed, and that’s the goal of this training,” he explained.
