The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has said that the service 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 Nigeria Immigration Service gave the assurance during Nationwide Anti-smuggling of Migrant Sensibilisation Campaign in Seme.
The theme of two-day campaign is entitled: ” Say No to Migrant Smuggling”. The campaign programme was organized by Seme Command of NIS and Lagos State Border Patrol Command in Seme.
According to Adamu, irregular migration processes significant risks to individuals, communities and nation, this can lead to exploitation, human trafficking and lost of Life.
“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 these challenges instead it can escalate vulnerability and undermining our national security.
“The two commands are working hand in hand to with other security agencies, community leaders, associations chairman, international organization, to address the root cause of irregular migration.
“We are also strengthening our border surveillance and we’ve put on some control measures to prevent irregular migration,” he said.
Adamu urged all stakeholders to join us in the efforts, adding that this is not for immigration alone.
Also speaking, Comptroller Peter Adache, the Controller, Lagos State Border Patrol Command decried the menace of irregular migration.
Adache said the matter of migration is so serious that the service created a directorate to address the issue.
“As mentioned earlier, we have the unit of regular and irregular migration, on irregular migration those that are affected are vulnerable to discrimination, exploitation and abuse.
“Some are subject to prostitution exploited in dangerous manner.
“We have heard of stories where those who emigrated irregularly are being killed, used for rituals or gone through organ harvesting,” he said
On way forward, Adache said that the international organisation has designed what is called a legal framework which will help one to deal with situations.
“Officers in the field must follow the legal framework and one of the legal framework Nigeria Immigration uses is embedded in Immigration regulations and manual.
“We are now technology in addressing modern migration,” he said.
In his lecture, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, ACI O Ologwo urged every 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.
Commercial motorcyclists, drivers, passengers, residents of Seme communities and security agencies participated in the campaign.
