The Nigeria Immigration Service has issued a strong warning to Nigerians against attempting to leave the country without proper documentation or falling for fake overseas job offers, stressing that such actions are illegal and potentially life-threatening.

In a public advisory shared on its official channels, the Service, through its Public Relations Officer, DCI AS Akinlabi, reminded citizens that all international travel must be undertaken with a valid Nigerian passport, appropriate visa where required, and other authorised immigration documents. Any effort to evade these procedures, including the use of unauthorised border routes, is a direct violation of Nigerian law.

The NIS expressed particular concern over the rise of fraudulent migration schemes operated by criminal networks. These syndicates, officials warned, increasingly target young Nigerians with enticing but false promises of lucrative jobs, scholarships, or guaranteed residency abroad.

According to the Service, many of these offers end in exploitation, including forced labour, sexual exploitation, debt bondage, and other forms of human trafficking. Victims often find themselves stranded in foreign countries without legal status, money, or access to help, after paying substantial sums to bogus agents.

The NIS stressed that no legitimate recruitment or travel process circumvents established immigration procedures or recognised border posts. Any agent or organisation encouraging would-be travellers to “beat the system” or travel on incomplete documents should be treated as a red flag.

Nigerians were urged to verify all foreign job, study, or migration offers through official government channels, licensed recruitment agencies, and recognised embassies or consulates. The Service advised the public to avoid unregistered middlemen, informal travel “consultants,” and social media adverts that cannot be independently authenticated.

Members of the public were also encouraged to report suspicious recruitment drives, irregular travel arrangements, or suspected trafficking activities to the nearest Immigration Service office or other security agencies for prompt investigation.

Reaffirming its mandate, the Nigeria Immigration Service said it remains committed to securing the country’s borders, disrupting illegal migration networks, and protecting Nigerians from exploitation. The agency called for greater public awareness and cooperation, noting that informed citizens are a crucial line of defence against human traffickers and fraudulent migration rackets.