From Nigeria to Germany: An Irregular Migration Story - The Dangerous Journey Through the Balkans

In this powerful episode, Mike from IHG interviews Chika, a Nigerian plumber who shares his harrowing irregular migration journey from Nigeria to Germany through the Balkan route. This raw, unfiltered account reveals the extreme dangers of irregular migration and serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to human determination.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains detailed accounts of dangerous border crossings, life-threatening situations, and the harsh realities of irregular migration.

What You'll Learn:

• The stark reality of irregular migration through the Balkans
• 27-hour non-stop walking through dangerous wilderness
• Border crossing experiences and asylum-seeking process
• The role of "crossers" in human smuggling operations
• Why legal migration pathways are always safer
• Life-threatening challenges faced by irregular migrants

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Opening: Taxi driver's warning in Macedonia
• 00:38 - Introduction and content warning
• 01:09 - Meet Chika: Nigerian plumber's background
• 01:36 - Comparing plumbing work: Nigeria vs Germany
• 02:07 - Setlinn.com sponsor message on safe migration
• 02:41 - Why Chika left Nigeria for Europe
• 03:27 - Arrival in Macedonia: First shock
• 04:23 - Searching for other Africans in Macedonia
• 05:05 - Meeting the Cameroonian "connector"
• 06:55 - The €250 deal for transport to Germany
• 08:22 - First border attempt: Serbia rejection
• 09:17 - Abandoned in the wilderness
• 10:26 - Phone dies, navigation becomes impossible
• 11:13 - Following instincts through dangerous terrain
• 12:05 - Discovering human remains in the forest
• 12:16 - The 27-hour non-stop walk to Serbia
• 13:41 - Extreme cold and sleeping rough
• 14:23 - Reaching Serbia: Not the end goal
• 15:11 - Bosnia to Croatia: The most dangerous crossing
• 16:10 - Meeting the Turkish "crossers"
• 16:54 - Pregnant woman on the dangerous journey
• 17:39 - Group dynamics: 20+ people crossing together
• 18:21 - Border police encounters and asylum requests
• 19:34 - Advice against irregular migration
• 21:03 - Final thoughts on determination vs. risk
• 22:36 - Closing and promise of continuation

Key Locations Mentioned:

• Nigeria (origin country)
• Macedonia (first European destination)
• Serbia (border crossing point)
• Bosnia (transit country)
• Croatia (Schengen entry point)
• Germany (final destination)

Resources for Safe Migration:

• Setlinn.com - Safe migration information platform
• Legal visa application processes
• Professional migration consultancy services

Connect with Immigrant Hub Germany:

• Subscribe for more real migration stories
• Access safe migration resources and guidance
• Join our community for legal pathway information

This is Part 1 of Chika's story. The continuation will cover his experiences after reaching Germany, integration challenges, and his current life.