In order to reduce irregular migration and migrant smuggling across the nation’s borders, the Nigeria Immigration Service claims to have improved border security through the deployment of cutting-edge technology and increased surveillance.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja, Mr. Akinsola Akinlabi, the Service Public Relations Officer, revealed this.
According to Akinlabi, the NIS has made notable progress in identifying and stopping unauthorized travel across the country’s land boundaries.
He credited persistent border police operations and surveillance systems for the accomplishments.
He claims that border guards have routinely stopped unauthorized migrants trying to enter or exit the nation.
“Our officers stationed along the borders are able to intercept individuals who set out on irregular migration journeys and, in many cases, reunite them with their families.
The number of persons using land routes to leave the country irregularly has drastically decreased as a result of these measures, and a lot has been documented in this area.
Additionally, the NIS spokesperson clarified that the service’s Border Surveillance Architecture was created to keep an eye on challenging and isolated areas that staff would not be able to visit.
According to him, the monitoring infrastructure has made it possible for the service to strategically deploy forces to areas where illegal migration regularly occurs.
He added that surveillance operations included both inbound and outbound movements and that the service’s responsibility in the region was centered on border security and the prevention of migrant smuggling.
He continued by saying that irregular migrants who tried to enter Nigeria illegally were frequently stopped by border guards and sent back to their home countries.
Speaking about the difficulties facing border control initiatives, Akinlabi stated that irregular migration is still a complicated social problem that calls for cooperation in addition to enforcement actions.
He claims that the federal government has continued to assist the NIS by providing vital operating tools and resources, despite the fact that no border control organization in the world runs without difficulties.
However, he claimed that one of the main challenges was that many individuals did not completely understand the dangers and repercussions of illegal migration.
Since many people are unaware of the risks involved, we view irregular migration as a social issue.Kemi Nandap, the NIS Comptroller General, pledged to create measures that would stop illegal migration, protect Nigerian lives, and promote good bilateral ties when she was appointed.
“To deter people from going on such journeys, the service under her leadership is investing heavily in public enlightenment campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and the issuance of advisories,” he stated.
Technology was highlighted by Akinlabi as a crucial element of the service’s long-term goals for sustainably lowering irregular migration.
According to him, technology solutions have revolutionized border management, even though actual border patrols are still crucial.
We can monitor areas and terrains that may be difficult for staff to reach thanks to technology.
“Areas that are challenging to physically monitor can now be effectively observed with technological support, helping us detect and prevent irregular migration activities,” he stated.
About The Author
