The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has wrapped up a one-week sensitization campaign against irregular migration and the smuggling of migrants (SOM) in nine states along Nigeria’s borders.
The campaign, held from Tuesday, November 5, to Friday, November 8, 2024, aimed to address the growing issue of cross-border migration, particularly from unregistered migrants entering Nigeria through porous borders, which exacerbates the country’s socioeconomic and security challenges.
In Cross River State, which shares a border with the Republic of Cameroon, the NIS outreach targeted local communities, traditional rulers, educational institutions, religious groups, and markets.
The campaign focused on educating the public about the dangers of irregular migration and the smuggling of migrants.
NIS Comptroller for Cross River State, Prisca Ogbodo, emphasized that the goal was to discourage potential victims from becoming targets of migrant smuggling and to prevent Nigerians from engaging in irregular migration.
In a statement issued by the command’s public relations officer, Mr. Asi SK Unakang, Ogbodo urged NIS personnel to act as ambassadors in the fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking, in accordance with their duties.
She acknowledged that the geographical location of Cross River State makes it a prime location for irregular migration, with the state serving as a source, transit, and destination point for such activities.
The sensitization efforts drew significant attention from the public, particularly in Calabar.
At the Edim Otop market, many traders expressed concerns about the need for a more robust government response to human and organ trafficking.
In Nyangasang, a town hall meeting revealed that locals had firsthand experience with migrant smuggling, sharing their personal stories as former victims of this illegal activity.
 has wrapped up a one-week sensitization campaign against irregular migration and the smuggling of migrants (SOM) in nine states along Nigeria’s borders.){kind=link}