In quest of pastures new: the horrifying narratives of forced and irregular migrant returnees in the Southwest, Nigeria

This study explores the trajectory, drives, and lived experiences of forced and irregular migrants in the context of migration, but it places a particular emphasis on the perilous routes they undertook in pursuit of better prospects. This study utilised a case study approach that focused on descriptive and interpretive techniques for gathering data and content analysis of primary as well as secondary data. The findings revealed that the underlying cause of the harrowing experiences endured by many Nigerian migrants elsewhere was a result of the country’s systemic and structural failure. This article concludes that, even though migration has characterised human desire for social and developmental changes, not all forms of migration—including forced and irregular ones—bring good fortune, contrary to widespread belief in the country. Nevertheless, this article suggests that the abysmal economy, the unemployment issue, the inconsistent education system, the unending conflict, and human traffickers’ activities deserve serious government attention to deter the snowballing utilisation of irregular channels by intending Nigerians.