The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Commands in nine border states have wrapped up a week-long campaign aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of irregular migration and migrant smuggling.
The campaign, conducted from November 5 – 8, sought to address the growing influx of unregistered migrants entering Nigeria through porous borders, a situation that contributes to the country’s socioeconomic and security challenges.
In Cross River State, bordering Cameroon, the NIS command led sensitization efforts in local communities, markets, religious gatherings, and tertiary institutions.
The aim was to educate the public on the dangers of irregular migration, especially migrant smuggling, and to discourage potential victims, explained the state’s NIS comptroller, Prisca Ogbodo.
Comptroller Ogbodo emphasized that Cross River’s geographical position as a border state increases its vulnerability as a source, transit, and destination for irregular migration, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling.
“Our personnel are expected to act as ambassadors against smuggling and trafficking, in line with our statutory duties,” she stated in a message signed by NIS Public Relations Officer Asi SK Unakang.
Community responses across Calabar highlighted public concerns. In Edim Otop market, merchants called for a stronger government response to combat human and organ trafficking.
At a town hall meeting in Nyangasang, residents recounted experiences as former smuggling victims, underscoring the urgency of continued government action.
