ABEOKUTA – Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ogun Command, said it had repatriated 50 illegal immigrants arrested during a raid in Odeda Local Government Area of the State.
Mrs. Victoria Isang, Comptroller of the command, made this known to newsmen in Abeokuta.
Isang said the number was made up of 29 Beninois, 10 Togolese and 11 Nigerienes who had been sent back to their countries.
The comptroller attributed the success of the raid to the 24 hours surveillance placed by the command on the border lines of the state with Republic of Benin.
She said that due to the expansive nature of Ogun border lines, the command conducted regular raids on hideouts of illegal immigrants.
Isang stated that foreigners were not allowed to take part in any aspect of the forthcoming general elections.
She warned that any foreigner who under false declaration was found in possession of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) or Nigeria National Identity Card would be severely dealt with.
“Any illegal immigrant caught with the PVC or the National Identity Card would be severely dealt with in accordance with the law.
“The command is also committed to partnering with other security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in ensuring peaceful and credible general elections”, she said.
The comptroller assured that the command was committed to carrying out the directive of the comptroller General of NIS, Mr. David Paradang, that all illegal immigrants be eased out of the country.
“I want to remind the general public that the Nigeria Immigration Service, Ogun command remains committed to ensuring that the state is rid of all categories of illegal immigrants”, Isang said.
She called for the support of traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, trade associations, employers of labour and journalists in discharging the command’s duties.
“I believe that together, Ogun and indeed Nigeria can be a safer place for us all”, she said.
Comptroller General of Immigration, David Shikfu Parradang mni.
