The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) state commands in nine Nigerian states, which are located on the borders with other countries, have concluded a one-week sensitization campaign against irregular migration and the smuggling of migrants (SOM).
There are reports of ongoing cross-border migration of unregistered migrants into Nigeria through porous borders, which compound the country’s socioeconomic and security challenges.
The sensitization activities were held from Tuesday, November 5, to Friday, November 8, 2024.
In Cross River State, which borders the Republic of Cameroon, the sensitization outreach took the state command to local communities, traditional rulers, tertiary institutions, religious congregations, and marketplaces, educating them on the perils of irregular migration, particularly the smuggling of migrants.
The aim was to dissuade potential victims of migrant smuggling and prevent the irregular migration of Nigerians, according to the comptroller of NIS in the state, Prisca Ogbodo.
In a statement signed by the command’s public relations officer, Mr. Asi SK Unakang, the comptroller charged the personnel to be ambassadors against migrant smuggling and human trafficking in line with their statutory duties.
She noted that the geographic situation of Cross River State, as a border state, implies that the state would be a source, transit, and destination location for irregular migration, including the smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons.
Audience responses and reactions across the target sensitization locations in Calabar showed that the issue of SOM was highly relevant to the public.
At Edim Otop market, market men and women were recorded requesting a strengthened government response to human and organ trafficking.
In another community, Nyangasang, during a town hall meeting, locals shared their unpleasant experiences as former victims of smuggling.
Irregular migration: Nigerian border states end one-week sensitization campaign