We’ve Apprehended 644 Illegal Migrants in Bayelsa – NIS

YENAGOA

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in Bayelsa State said its operatives apprehended 644 illegal migrants in the state.

It was gathered that the exercise led by Comptroller Sunday James wrapped up a five-day special operation tagged “SaukanShaho” in the state to achieve the result.

According to the NIS, the special operation Saukan Shahomeaning the ‘Eagle has Landed‘, which was sanctioned byComptroller-General Isah Jere Idris, and supported by the state governor, Senator Douye Diri, led to the arrest of 44 Nigeriens, 35 Togolese, 20 Beninese and 6 Ghanaians, and many others screened and awaiting their country of origin.

The NIS comptroller of the Bayelsa Command, Sunday James, while briefing declared that the operations followed the laid-down acceptable ECOWAS protocol and United Nations rules of engagement and respect for human rights.

He said the operation, however, led to the proper documentation of illegal migrants and migrants in the state with 89 expired travel documents renewed by the arrested illegal migrants.

He also mentioned that the other illegal immigrants had been guaranteed by their home countries of quick documentation, adding that the database of the NIS is more robust from the operation.

He commended Governor Douye Diri for his support and understanding that the operation was in the national interest and not targeted at any individual or tribe. He also explained that the command had to meet with the leaders of the Hausa community in the state to explain the purpose of the operation and not targeted at Nigerians.

He said the command embarked on the operation between the 9th and the 19th of September, 2022, and raided major areas identified by the intelligence unit, including the Ariettalin, Swali, Onopa, Azikoro, Okaka, Bayelsa Palm, Ogbogoro, Obele, Otiotio, Famgbe and areas where we have the Bureau d’change.

He also expressed concern over the movement of other illegal migrants escaping to neighboring states of Delta, Rivers, and Edo State and called for similar operations in those states to fish out those that escaped being screened in Bayelsa.