The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it is committed to combating irregular migration and promoting safe and legal passage on local and international routes.
By Raji Rasak
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it is committed to combating irregular migration and promoting safe and legal passage on local and international routes.
Comptroller Muhammad Adamu, the Controller of Seme Command of NIS, gave the assurance during a Nationwide Anti-smuggling of Migrant Sensitisation Campaign in Seme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the two-day campaign is: “Say No to Migrant Smuggling.”
NAN also reports that the campaign was organised by the Seme Command of NIS in collaboration with Lagos State Border Patrol Command in Seme.
According to Adamu, irregular migration causes significant risks to individuals, communities and nation, and can lead to exploitation, human trafficking and loss of lives.
He added that “the two commands are committed to combating irregular migration and promoting safe and legal passage.
“We recognise that irregular migration is being driven by economic hardship, conflict and lack of opportunities. However, we must emphasise that irregular migration is not a solution to the challenges, instead, it can escalate vulnerability and undermine our national security.
“The two commands are working with other security agencies, community leaders, association chairmen and international organisations to address the root cause of irregular migration.
“We are also strengthening border surveillance and we’ve put on some control measures to prevent irregular migration.”Adamu urged stakeholders to join in the collective efforts, adding that “this is not for immigration alone.”
Compt. Peter Adache, the Controller, Lagos State Border Patrol Command, who decried the menace of irregular migration, said that the service had created a directorate to address the issue.
He explained that “we have the unit of regular and irregular migration. Irregular migration affects
the vulnerable and causes discrimination, exploitation and abuse.
“Some are even subjected to prostitution and exploited in dangerous manner.
“We have heard of stories where those who emigrated irregularly are being killed, used for rituals or organ harvesting.”
On the way forward, Adache said that the international organisation has designed legal framework
to help one to deal with situation.
He said “officers in the field must follow the legal framework and one of the legal framework Nigeria Immigration Service uses is embedded in the immigration regulations and manual.
“We are now technologically-oriented in addressing modern migration,” he said.
In his lecture, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, ACI. O. Ologwo, urged stakeholders to come together and safeguard the country’s future.
“This is by creating a society where migration is not a threat but a pathway to mutual growth and resilience, collaboratively toward a safer and more prosperous future for all,” he said.
NAN reports that commercial motorcyclists, drivers, passengers, residents of Seme communities and security agencies participated in the campaign. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)