Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Do more to halt to halt illegal migration, Tambuwal urges Immigration boss

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has urged the Nigeria Immigration Service to do more to halt illegal migration of young and able-bodied Nigerians risking their lives to undertake dangerous trips across the Sahara and Mediterranean Sea in their bids to make it to Europe.

The governor also urged the NIS to increase vigilance around border areas to check influx of illegal migrants into the country, especially through Sokoto and neighbouring states.

Tambuwal spoke, when he granted audience to the NIS Comptroller General, Muhammad Baban Dede, at the Sokoto Government House.

He said, “Let me first of all commend you and your men for the good job you are doing, especially in Sokoto and neighbouring states of Zamfara and Kebbi. Reports reaching us indicate that vast majority of your officers are carrying out their duties in a professional manner.

“Now that you are here, I want to appeal to the Service to streamline the number of multiple checkpoints mounted on various roads within the border areas in the state.

“Even though we are aware that such checkpoints are in place to control influx of illegal migrants into the country, local road users have complained of harassment by your men at such checkpoints. Please look into these complaints and help in addressing them,” he added.

Tambuwal said the state government would support the community border patrols introduced by the Service, adding that the initiative would go a long way in addressing security challenges in the country.

In his remarks, the NIS CG said they were in Sokoto to register their appreciation with the governor for allocating 40 hectares of land to the Sokoto State Command  of NIS, as well as the Immigration Staff College situated in Sokoto.

He said the Service under his command, had introduced various initiatives aimed at improving the security of all Nigerians.

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