Comptroller General (CG) of the service, Alhaji Muhammad Babandede, addressing border community in Jibia during a sensitization visit in Katsina State.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has tasked border communities to report immigrants in their communities to enable the service weed out illegal aliens.
The Comptroller General (CG) of the service, Alhaji Muhammad Babandede, made the call on Tuesday in Jibia during a sensitization visit to residents of Jibia border communities in Katsina State.
“By reporting any strangers in your Communities, it will help the NIS and the Federal Government check illegal movement of people.
“When you report strangers in your areas, especially those that stay around near the borders, you are helping the authorities in managing the security challenges in the country.
“Most of these people you see coming into the country, not through the border, are committing one crime or the other,” he said.
According to him, there is nothing wrong in coming to Nigeria, or going out of the country, but those engaging in such movements must have the necessary traveling documents .
“It is an offence to pass through the bush when you are coming into Nigeria, or moving out of the country. In recent times, we have arrested no fewer than 32 persons for such offences,” he emphasised.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, the acting Chairman of Jibia Local Government Council, Malam Muhammad Lawal, commended the initiative by the service.
Lawal observed that such sensitisation exercises would assist in enlightening the residents of the border areas on the implications of allowing strangers to stay in their midst.
“If such enlightenment exercise can be sustained, it will serve as a reminder to immigrants enjoying the ECOWAS Protocols.”the chairmen said. (NAN)
