NIS Raises Alarm Over Use Of Encrypted Apps, Falsified Documents Used By Human Traffickers

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, on Monday expressed concern over the growing use of encrypted messaging apps, forged documents, and other sophisticated tactics by human traffickers and migrant smugglers to evade arrest by security operatives.

Describing the trend as disturbing and the rise of organised smuggling networks as unacceptable, Nandap said the Service is determined to stay ahead of criminals.

“Recognising that Nigeria is a key country of origin, transit, and destination, the NIS cannot ignore these developments. They threaten not only human life, but also national security, border integrity, and public safety,” she stated.

She assured that the Service is committed to dismantling all known smuggling networks and bringing perpetrators to justice.

According to Nandap, the NIS has deployed cutting-edge technologies at the country’s 144 border points and has established strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to combat migrant smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

The Comptroller-General made the remarks at the NIS headquarters in Abuja during the flag-off of the 2025 edition of the Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Day, held in commemoration of International Migrants Day. This year’s theme is “Smuggling of Migrants: Emerging Trends, Realities and National Response.”

The Comptroller-General who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in Charge of Works and Logistics, Mrs Ada James Umannah, said the Anti-Smuggling Migrants Week would be dedicated to creating awareness, solidarity and renewed commitment to the global fight against the criminal act of smuggling of migrants. 

The Immigration boss said the theme of the awareness campaigns speaks directly to the pressing issues confronting Nigeria, West Africa, and the world at large, saying all hands should be on the deck to tackle the menace of human trafficking. 

Nandap said, “The Nigeria Immigration Service is intentional about the choice of this theme because it challenges us not only to acknowledge the dynamics of irregular migration but to deepen our resolve in combating the criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals in search of hope.

“The rise in organized migrant smuggling networks, the use of digital platforms for recruitment and deception, and the proliferation of complex transnational routes have created new layers of danger for migrants. 

“From desert crossings to perilous sea journeys, migrants face unimaginable risks—trafficking, extortion, sexual exploitation, violence, and tragic death.

“We have also observed a disturbing trend where smugglers now operate with increasing sophistication—using encrypted messaging apps, falsifying travel documents, coaching migrants on evasion techniques, and collaborating with criminal groups across borders.”

While she praised the guidance and support of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nandap said the Minister’s approach through a combination of policy reforms, operational measures, technology deployment, and international cooperation has deepen operations of the Service. 

“We have enhanced surveillance along our land, sea, and air borders, deploying technology-driven solutions such as: the establishment of a cutting-edge Command and Control Centre that mirrors all operational activities of the Service, the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), Advanced Passenger Information Systems(APIS), Passenger Name Records (PNR), e-gates at our International Airports as well as the Huawei-powered e-border solutions deployed at over 144 border locations across the country.  

“Our partnerships with ECOWAS, AU, IOM, UNODC, ICMPD, FIIAPP, FRONTEX and other global actors continue to enhance capacity-building, data exchange, joint investigations, and safe return programmes,” Nandap asserted. 

She said the Service would intensify aggressive community and institutional sensitization on dangers of irregular migration since migrants are lured into the act through false promises. 

“Our awareness campaigns target the youthful population- Youth Corps Members, students of all levels of educational institution, youth associations, transport unions etc.

“This year alone, over 200,000 Corps Members were sensitized in addition to the widespread outreach of our citizens across the country during the 2025 sensitization campaign program. 

“Our messages focus on: techniques adopted by smuggling networks, digital recruitment, false job offers abroad, and the need for our citizens to use secure, orderly, and regular migration channels when travelling abroad,” the Immigration boss said.