Niger - Document fraud (fake passports, visas, IDs, marriage licenses, etc.) is one of the most widespread types of fraud, and is one of the main problems facing the Nigerien border police. Despite technical progress, it is still a growing phenomenon.

In August 2016 IOM Niger launched a training in which 10 police officers from the Diffa region were trained as trainers in combating document fraud. The project was developed by the National Police Academy with IOM’s support.

Between 28 September and 14 October the group trained another 80 national police officers in Diffa, Mainé Soroa and Guigmi.

The training was part of an IOM project: "Strengthening Diffa’s border security – SEDINI" funded by the European Union under the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) and the High Authority for Peace Consolidation (HACP). The project aims to support the Nigerien government’s efforts in managing immigration and borders.

The police capacity building process will continue with other training sessions in the coming weeks, including trainings focused on human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.

The project will also build two border police stations in Mainé Soroa and Diffa, which will be equipped for document control with hardware, UV lamps, magnifying glasses and flashlights.

For further information, please contact IOM Niger. Marina Schramm, Email: mschramm@iom.int or Monica Chiriac, Tel: +227 8931 8764, Email: mchiriac@iom.int