The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a community awareness campaign across Katsina State to educate residents on the dangers of migrant smuggling and irregular migration.
The awareness drive, titled “Migrant Smuggling is Dangerous: Do Not Fall Prey,” has reached communities, motor parks, and educational institutions to spread the message on the risks involved.
In her address at the campaign launch on Wednesday, the Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGIS), Mrs. Kemi Nandap, stressed the importance of robust border security to prevent cross-border crimes.
Represented by Mr. Alkasim Yunusa, a Comptroller from the NIS headquarters in Abuja, she highlighted the dangers of migrant smuggling, including kidnapping, organ trafficking, forced sexual exploitation, and involvement in transnational criminal networks.
Yunusa explained that traffickers often mislead migrants into taking undocumented routes, making them vulnerable to numerous risks.
Mr. Haruna Zakirai, Comptroller of the Jibia Border Command, emphasized that safe, legal, and orderly migration is crucial, advising the public to support the NIS in its fight against migrant smuggling. “Many lose their lives on these treacherous routes, and traffickers treat their victims in inhumane ways,” he said.
Deputy Comptroller Suleiman Yusuf, representing the Comptroller of Katsina Command, Mr. Muhammad Mahmud, urged all stakeholders to join forces against this growing threat, noting that women, youth, and children are the most affected.
At the Katsina Central Motor Park, NURTW Secretary Abdullahi Ibrahim pledged the union’s support in preventing illegal migration, assuring that they would alert immigration officials if any suspected cases arise.
Alhaji Musa Dalhatu, representing the District Head of Batagarawa, welcomed the campaign and stressed the importance of NIS deploying advanced technology at the borders to combat human trafficking and smuggling activities effectively.