The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has disclosed that more than 70,600 Nigerians have been assisted to return to the country from irregular migration journeys since 2017. This information was shared during a two-day co-creation workshop for media practitioners and On-Air Personalities (OAPs) held in Kano. The IOM, in collaboration with the Nigerian government and partners, has continued to support Nigerians affected by irregular migration.
According to the IOM, over 44,500 returnees have received reintegration assistance, while others are still undergoing the reintegration process. The organisation's efforts aim to support Nigerians who have attempted irregular migration and those who have returned. The IOM's Communication Officer, Elijah Alaigwu, emphasized that the organisation is not opposed to Nigerians traveling abroad but urges prospective migrants to use regular and documented channels.
Alaigwu stressed the importance of proper documentation and understanding the conditions and requirements of destinations to avoid falling into the hands of smugglers and traffickers. He noted that Kano has continued to record cases of young people embarking on irregular journeys through the borders, making public awareness and access to accurate information critical in preventing exploitation.
The IOM and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have collaborated in profiling and assisting victims of trafficking and Nigerians who returned from irregular migration journeys. The Head of the Public Enlightenment Unit of NAPTIP, Kano Zonal Command, Umar Muhammad, disclosed that the command received 154 complaints involving human trafficking, child labour, child abuse, and other forms of exploitation from January to date.
Muhammad said the agency secured nine convictions from the cases, with some of those convicted sentenced to between six and seven years in prison. He explained that many of the remaining cases are still under investigation and prosecution, particularly those involving child abuse and child labour, which often require lengthy investigations.
Kano's geographical location and proximity to neighbouring states and international borders make it an important transit point for trafficking networks. Muhammad described human trafficking as an organised crime and stressed the need for sustained collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, the media, and other stakeholders to combat the menace.
The IOM and stakeholders, including the media, are urged to intensify public enlightenment efforts to prevent vulnerable Nigerians from falling victim to traffickers and smugglers. The collaboration aims to raise awareness about the dangers associated with irregular migration and human trafficking, and sustained awareness campaigns could help reduce the incidence of irregular migration.
Key points
- The IOM reports that over 70,600 Nigerians have returned from irregular migration journeys since 2017.
- Over 44,500 returnees have received reintegration assistance from the IOM.
- Kano has continued to record cases of young people embarking on irregular journeys through the borders.
