By Umaru Bello,
Minna
Niger State government has expressed preparedness to check the influx of ‘irregular immigrants’ by partnering with the Nigeria Immigaration Service (NIS) to secure the vast porous international border lines across the state.
The state Governor, Alhaji Abubarkar Sani Bello, stated this when he hosted the new Comptroller of Immigrations, Mrs. Amadih Honby, in his office, Minna.
Bello said that he was worried about reports of influx of irregular immigrants into the country and therefore called on the NIS to ensure that watertight security was accorded to the numerous international boarders to check further influx of immigrants.
“Let me first of all commend you for the good job you are doing especially in the state and the country at large. You have a very wide boarder to manage, starting from Gundu, Babana and our boarders with Kebbi and Zamfara states, which makes it easy gateway to Niger Republic.
“We have lots of entry and exit points into Niger state which allows people to access the state through so many routes”, Governor Bello said as he assured the NIS of his administration’s support to all relevant security agencies and federal government agencies in the state.
“I have received reports on the influx of irregular immigrants into Niger state and most of them coming from Niger Republic. We must find sustainable solutions to this uncontrolled migration problem. I assure you of our continuous support for you to function very well”.
Governor Bello therefore appealed to the Nigeria Immigration Service to intensify surveillance of the state’s porous border areas to checkmate irregular migration into and out of Niger state.
The new Comptroller of Immigration, Mrs. Amadih Honby, had informed the Governor that she assumed office on February 6, 2018 and commended the state government for his commitments and support towards ensuring that the agency functions well.