NCFRMI Warns Against Irregular Migration Risks

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has issued a warning to Nigerians about the dangers of irregular migration through the Sahara Desert. Luba Liman, the commission’s Field Coordinator for Kano and Jigawa, stated that while the commission does not discourage migration, it advocates for safe and legal channels.

She urged potential migrants to obtain necessary documentation and informed guidance before traveling. Since January 2026, 5,780 returnees have arrived via Kano routes, with 2,067 coming by road, primarily from Niger and Agadez.

Liman encouraged learning from the experiences of returnees. Additionally, Umar Muhammad from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) warned that many young Nigerians fall victim to human trafficking through irregular migration, often lured by false promises.

NAPTIP has handled 139 trafficking-related cases this year, securing nine convictions for offenses including child abuse and labor exploitation.