Federal government has again bolstered security checks across national borders to checkmate activities of criminal elements and boost efficiency of Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS), officers.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known at the commissioning of 30 new utility vehicles by the NIS, weekend in Abuja.
He said “Once our borders are protected, internal threats can easily be dealt with so the time for rhetorics is over, it is time for action because the security and protection of our borders is now.
“The President is happy about your proposal on surveillance and security of our borders, I am also happy because protecting borders and making sure Nigerians can sleep with their eyes closed is a priority of the present administration.
“The Nigeria immigration service is important to the national security architecture of the country, it is a first line of support and defence for the national security agenda particularly from the perspective of making our borders safe and secure.
According to him, the current security challenges are a wake up call and a trying period in Nigeria but they will soon be over because government will not rest untill security is well bolstered and criminal elements checkmated.
He adds that President Bola Tinubu will continue to support efforts of the NIS in national security.
“Mr. President will never leave the NIS stranded in terms of support, equipment, welfare and other facilities that will make your jobs easier, Mr. President will be there for you therefore, you must do your part and do it diligently, do your part and make the nation proud, he told immigration officers.
Comptroller General, NIS Kemi Nandap, said the commissioning of the operational vehicles is part of efforts by the government to ensure maximum security across all borders, land, sea and air, in Nigeria.
She said “We will continue to position our officers with the right mindset and equip them. Once we are well supported we will continue to police all our borders and with this support, nothing will stop us.
“As Comptroller General of immigration, I am acutely aware of the imperative role that effective border surveillance and patrol play in safeguarding our sovereignty, protecting our citizens, preserving economic prosperity as well as facilitating safe and orderly migration.”
Nandap said the 30 new vehicles represent a concrete investment in boosting capacity of the service as it provides officers the tools needed for carrying out their assignments.
“The acquisition of these vehicles underscores our unwavering commitment to border security and our determination to one step ahead of those who seek to undermine our laws and threaten our safety,” she said.
The NIS boss called in the media to continue to support the agency in its efforts through effective coverage, informing and assuring Nigerian of government’s effort and commitment to border security.
