The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has warned youths about the dangers inherent in illegal migration and human trafficking, stating that many Nigerian youths have had their organs harvested and perished in the process.

Sounding the warning at a sensitisation programme, the Service maintained that illegal migration had become rampant following the national socio-economic downturn, but maintained that the “Japa Syndrome” embraced by the youths in recent times was not the solution.

The Deputy Comptroller General of Immigration in Charge of the Directorate of Migration, Mrs Kemi Nandap made the remarks at the weekend in Gwagwalada, Abuja, during sensitization visits to the District Head of Gwagwalada, the Government Day Secondary school, and the Gwagwalada main market.

She said the sensitisation which was in commemoration of the 60^th Anniversary of NIS was designed to educate the youths, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders about the danger of illegal migration and human trafficking especially through the Mediterranean and North African deserts.

She described the Japa Syndrome as alarming, especially amongst youths.

Nandap said besides the fact that over 1,200 youths died in the Mediterranean Sea and deserts last year alone, many of those who reached some countries had their organs harvestes by people they trusted.

She said: “Don’t be deceived, economic downturn is now a global phenomenon. If you have been watching events across the world, you would have noticed protests in some countries. So, it is not about Nigeria alone. It is a global issue. Stay here with us and let us pull our country out of this challenges together.

“Don’t follow sweet promises that are not real. People who are telling you to follow them, ask them why they couldn’t carry their own children. Why didn’t they Japa with their cousins and other close relatives. It is dangerous.

“They deceived our youths, made them to pass through the deserts and the Mediterranean Sea, some died in the process and their bodies washed off the Sea. Some had their organs harvested by people who took them out the country.”

Nandap appealed to the youths and those who desired to travel outside the country to approach the Immigration Service for collection of passports and other documents, adding that the Service would also provide information on how they would obtain Visas to the country of their choice.

The Principal of the Government Day Secondary School, Dr Ishaya Doma, commended the Immigration Service for the timely campaign against Japa Syndrome, saying most homes were disturbed by the trend.

Dr Doma who enjoined other relevant government bodies to do more enlightenment campaigns for the youths, said the school was opened to initiatives that would promote sound education and good work ethics for students. (The Nation)

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