Insecurity: Nigeria Immigration Service tightens security around borders

Insecurity: Nigeria Immigration Service tightens security around borders
Vincent Oliji, Abuja

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has stressed its commitment to contribute to the strengthening and sustenance of national security.

This will be done through improved manning and control of the 84 land borders, six airports and seven sea ports in the country.

The Comptroller General of Immigration, Mrs Rose Chinyere Uzoma, stated this during a management meeting with states comptroller’s of the immigration service in Abuja.

She stated that, it is a crucial role of immigration service to foster national security by monitoring the activities of the Economic Community of West Africa States, ECOWAS, and African nationals residing in the country through the 774 immigration divisional offices in the country.

Survival of Nigerians

Mrs Uzoma called on staff of the service to be committed to the duty of fighting insecurity using their job, as proactive measures would also ensure the survival of Nigerians.

“The time is now for us to shun all acts of corruption, negligence and truancy, we must rise up to justify the various trainings and investment that the Nation has made in us.”

She also sounded a note of warning to all comptrollers that, appropriate punishment would be meted out to anyone who errs in the discharge of their duties.

Mrs Uzoma further urged immigration officers to partner with other security agencies, and stakeholders including council chairmen, transport agencies and unions, and traditional rulers.

Operational synergy

Following the prevailing precarious security situation in Nigeria, the Nigerian Immigration Service “has no option than to demonstrate unflinching commitment and dedication in the discharge of its duties”.  She said.

“This is the time for us to shun all acts of corruption, negligence and truancy”. Mrs Uzoma added.

The Immigration service, she said would not temper justice with mercy for any officers found wanting, in the discharge of their duties.

On no account must any person without clear identity be allowed into the country, she said.

The Comptroller-General called for continued operational synergy with other security agencies in the discharge of duties as their goals are basically the same and revolve around the service of immigration services.

Abu/Iheanacho