Japa: 1,200 migrating young Nigerians die in oceans

Japa: 1,200 migrating young Nigerians die in oceans

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has said at least 1,200 Nigerian youths died last year in the Mediterranean Sea and deserts while attempting to enter Europe in search of greener pastures.

The NIS said the “Japa Syndrome” among Nigerian youths was becoming alarming as more young persons were being deceived daily to embark on irregular migration.

Acting Comptroller General of the NIS, Mrs. Wuraola Adepoju, expressed worry about the dangers in irregular immigration among the nation’s youths.

The NIS boss spoke at the start of a two-day sensitisation programme at the headquarters of the service in Abuja.

The sensitisation programme, among others, included road shows, street campaigns, distribution of pamphlets, and visitations to Utako Motor Park, Wuse Market, and Government Secondary School in Garki, Abuja.

Mrs. Adepoju said all hands should be on deck to arrest the trend, stressing that the NIS under her watch would not allow the problem to escalate.

The NIS boss expressed sadness that Nigeria was losing her productive population to irregular migration.

She said the sensitisation programme, which was organised by the Directorate of Migration in the NIS, was in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the service, holding from August 1 to 8.

Adepoju said the service found it imperative to encourage Nigerians, who desired to travel outside the country, to approach the NIS for advice, collection of passport, documents and visas, warning that passing through irregular routes had dangerous consequences.

Head of the Directorate of Migration and Deputy Comptroller-General of NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nandap, explained that to curtail the global menace, the NIS was working with security agencies such as National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Justice Department.