Don’t travel abroad without valid documents -FG warns Nigerians

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has cautioned Nigerians against travelling out of the country without valid passports, visas, and other required documents, warning that such actions are illegal and expose citizens to serious risks.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, its Public Relations Officer, the service raised concerns over rising cases of fraudulent migration schemes and irregular cross-border movements linked to criminal networks.

The agency said these networks often target vulnerable Nigerians, especially young people, with false promises of jobs, education opportunities, and better living conditions abroad, which frequently end in exploitation, forced labour, and human trafficking.

“It is illegal to leave Nigeria without a valid passport, visa, and other required documents, and doing so poses serious dangers,” the NIS warned.

The service stressed that legitimate international travel must follow due immigration procedures and pass through authorised border points.

It also advised Nigerians to be wary of unsolicited offers of sponsorship, travel assistance, or employment from unknown individuals, describing such schemes as common tactics used by trafficking syndicates.

The NIS urged members of the public to verify all travel and job offers through official government channels, avoid irregular migration routes, and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

Parents, guardians, and community leaders were also encouraged to sensitise young people on the dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking.

The agency provided official contact channels, including its social media handles, hotline numbers, and whistleblower email, for reporting suspicious cases.

Reaffirming its commitment to border security, the NIS said it remains determined to protect Nigerians from exploitation and criminal migration networks.