In an effort to address the growing concerns of irregular migration and the smuggling of migrants, the Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) conducted a rally on Friday, targeting students from secondary schools and universities as well as traders.
The rally, organized to commemorate Anti-Smuggling Migrants Week, took place in Abuja and featured a stern warning from the Comptroller General of Immigration, Mrs. Caroline Adepoju.
Represented by the Chief Superintendent of Immigration (CSI), Mr. Innocent Olowu, Adepoju cautioned students and traders against falling prey to individuals attempting to lure them into traveling abroad through irregular routes.
Adepoju emphasized the significance of reaching out to students and traders, highlighting the susceptibility of these groups to deception.
She pointed out the potential dangers associated with irregular migration, citing the alarming number of youths who lose their lives while attempting perilous journeys through the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean Sea.
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The NIS’s decision to extend the message of anti-smuggling of migrants to schools and markets is a strategic move aimed at raising awareness among those most vulnerable to exploitation and misinformation.
The initiative seeks to curb the risks and tragic consequences associated with irregular migration, providing valuable guidance to the youth and traders of Nigeria.
“We are losing lives, and the numbers are outrageous, and because of this, we thought of a preventive measure by creating awareness of the dangers of irregular migrations.
“The one at schools was directed at the students themselves, who will understand what we are talking about and will also talk to their parents about what they were told.” #NIS