Immigration intercepts 332 migrants, rescues 36 victims at Badagry border

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has intensified its efforts to combat irregular migration by blocking 332 migrants and rescuing 36 individuals affected by human trafficking and child labor at the Seme Border in Badagry. Kemi Nandap, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, shared this information during a one-day seminar on migrant smuggling held at the Service Headquarters in Abuja.

She reported that border patrols at Seme recently apprehended numerous travelers without valid documentation attempting to cross into neighboring countries under suspicious conditions. “Our officers at the Seme Border prevented 332 migrants from entering due to their lack of proper travel documentation. Additionally, we rescued 36 victims of human trafficking and child labor,” Nandap stated.

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Furthermore, she mentioned that 294 Nigerians trying to exit the country via the same route were halted due to concerns about irregular migration linked to the current “Japa” trend, a term for mass emigration.

Nandap explained that these actions were made possible by the installation of new CCTV systems and the implementation of stricter checks along the Lagos–Benin corridor, one of West Africa’s busiest border areas.

She characterized migrant smuggling as an emerging and intricate transnational crime often orchestrated by organized groups that exploit individuals’ economic hardships and aspirations for a better life. Nandap stressed that combating this issue requires collective efforts from government agencies, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.

“Every smuggled migrant is a life endangered, a family disrupted, and a community deprived of its potential,” she remarked. “This fight is not only a security necessity but also a moral obligation that requires a thorough and cooperative approach.”

Discussing recent reforms, she noted that NIS has enhanced its legal framework, improved officer training, and ramped up nationwide awareness campaigns, which included informing over 577,000 NYSC members in 2025. Plans are also in progress to create anti-smuggling clubs in schools and youth service centers.

Nandap reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to collaborating with the African Union, ECOWAS, IOM, UNODC, INTERPOL, and other global partners to enhance intelligence sharing and joint border operations.

She urged Nigerians to adopt safe, organized, and legal migration practices, stating that the Service is committed to protecting lives while ensuring that the nation’s borders remain accessible for legitimate trade and travel, but firmly closed to human traffickers and smugglers.