NIS Blocks 294 Nigerians, Denies Entry to 332 Irregular Migrants at Seme Border!

NIS Blocks 294 Nigerians, Denies Entry to 332 Irregular Migrants at Seme Border!

Reported By Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has stopped 294 Nigerian nationals from exiting the country and blocked 332 undocumented migrants from entering at the Seme Border in Lagos State, in a recent crackdown on irregular migration. [1]

During a one‑day stakeholders’ sensitisation seminar in Abuja titled “Evolving Patterns in Smuggling of Migrants: Towards a Coordinated National Response,” Comptroller General Kemi Nandap of NIS disclosed that the agency also rescued 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour at the border. [2]

“It is very disheartening when you see young people risking their lives because they feel the grass is greener on the other side,” Nandap said, describing the phenomenon popularly known as “Japa”. [3]

Key Details:

• The 294 Nigerians prevented from exiting were found without valid travel documents or were suspected of attempting irregular migration. [4]
• The 332 individuals denied entry lacked valid travel documents and were intercepted by border patrol units.
• Enhanced surveillance measures, including installation of CCTV cameras and improved legal‑institutional frameworks, were cited as contributing factors to these operations. [6]
• NIS revealed that more than 577,200 youths (members of the National Youth Service Corps) have been sensitised this year under an anti‑smuggling campaign. [2]

Why It Matters:

• The crackdown underscores Nigeria’s efforts to manage and deter irregular migration, especially the trending “Japa” phenomenon where young Nigerians seek greener pastures abroad.
• It illustrates how migration management is being framed as both a national security issue and a humanitarian concern.
• The move may signal increased pressure on smugglers and human‑trafficking networks exploiting vulnerable Nigerians.

The NIS urged all government agencies, civil society organisations, and international partners to remain vigilant and collaborate on establishing safe, regular, and orderly migration pathways. [3]

Citations:

1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/japa-immigration-stops-294-nigerians-from-exit-turns-back-332-irregular-migrants/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/japa-immigration-stops-294-nigerians-from-exit-turns-back-332-irregular-migrants-2/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Businessday NG: businessday.ng/news/article/immigration-intensifies-clampdown-on-irregular-migration-rescues-36-victims/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. TheCable: www.thecable.ng/kemi-nandap-332-migrants-denied-entry-into-nigeria-at-seme-border-for-invalid-travel-documents/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. The Eagle Online: theeagleonline.com.ng/nis-denies-entry-to-332-irregular-migrants-at-seme-border/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/immigration-denies-entry-to-332-irregular-migrants-at-seme-border?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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