A’Ibom Govt To Partner NIS To Heigthens Insecurity In Akwa Ibom

By Timothy Ekpo

Uyo

The Akwa Ibom government has applauded the state command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on its partnership with other security agencies to heighthen and sustain the enabling peace and tranquility in the state.

The deputy governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, stated this during a courtesy visit to him by the new comptroller, Akwa Ibom Command, Francisca Dakat, at Government House Uyo.

Mr Ekpo stated that as part of efforts geared towards tackling insecurity in the state’s borders, the government would heighten its synergy with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to ensure effective service delivery.

Responding to a plea by the command for the provision of land for the building of barracks and offices for its officers in the 31 local government areas, the deputy governor said the state government would consiider the request.to enable make provision of such facilities in the areas where none exist. 

Stressing the need for the facilities, Mr Ekpo said the barrack would not only help them to monitor the activities of immigrants on porous borders, but would also enable officers to relate closely with the rural dwellers in order to minimise all forms of criminality and illegality.

While wishing the State Comptroller a successful tenure as the first female Comptroller in the Akwa Ibom State command, noting that women were known to be better managers because of their motherly instinct.

The Comptroller, CIS Francisa Dakat, commended the state government for the support given to the command over the years, adding that the robust relationship has enabled the command to effectively discharge its duties and responsibility of migration management. 

She explained that as part of the duties of the command which is to monitor, track, apprehend, deport, and repatriate illegal immigrants in order to promote security in the state, there was need to have a refugee camp to help checkmate the activities of migrants.

While appealing for support to enable the command carry out awareness campaigns on smuggling of migrants, child labour and trafficking in persons, she also announced plans of the service to carry out a mop up exercise in the 31 local government areas, aimed at eradicating irregular migrants in Akwa Ibom.

Dakat warned foreigners in the state against participating in any election processes, stating that the penalty for those found culpable would be outright deportation.