The Nigeria Immigration Service on Friday said it was “rejigging” its border security formations for improved surveillance and patrol.
The newly-appointed Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mrs Kemi Nandap, revealed this when the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated 30 operational vehicles for border surveillance and patrol at the service headquarters, Abuja.
Nandap said, “This investment in border security will be complimented with a rejig of our border corps architecture to include agile sector commanders to carry out consistent surveillance and patrol of our border in line with our core mandate.”
Her statement follows the reopening of Nigeria’s border with neighbouring Niger Republic.
It also comes amid heightened terrorist activities in the country’s north where killings and kidnappings have occurred frequently.
The nation has been facing waves of abductions, attacks by suspected bandits and other violent crimes, reviving calls for the establishment of a multi-level policing system, including state police.
But Nandap emphasised the role of effective border surveillance and patrol in “safeguarding our sovereignty, protecting our citizens, preserving our economic prosperity as well as facilitating regular, safe, and orderly migration.”
SHe said the 30 surveillance vehicles “represent a concrete investment in our capacity, providing our dedicated officers with the tools needed to carry out their duties.”
The Immigration Chief said the acquisition of the vehicles underscores the service’s unwavering commitment to border security and its determination to stay one step ahead of those who seek to undermine Nigeria’s laws and threaten its safety.
“With enhanced mobility, our border patrol teams will be better equipped to detect and deter illegal activities, including smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons and other transnational crimes,” she added.
She directed all NIS officers and men to diligently utilise and maintain the vehicles, take ownership and responsibility of securing the country’s borders and remain dogged and watchful.
“Have integrity and ensure that you do not partake in any acts that contravene our laws or tarnish the image of the Nigerian Immigration Service.
“We will not tolerate any compromise to the nation’s security. With that being said, I have faith in you all,” she affirmed.
Nandap thanked the Interior Minister, Tunji-Ojo for his unwavering support to the Nigeria Immigration Service “in achieving unprecedented heights of efficiency in Migration Management and Border Security.”