Insecurity: Niger Assembly condemns influx of illegal immigrants

From John Adams, Minna

Following the escalating bandits’ activities across Niger State, the House of Assembly has expressed concern over the uncontrolled influx of illegal immigrants who engage in illicit mining in different parts of the state.

Speaker of the assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, expressed the reservation yesterday ,when the Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Zone D, in charge of Niger, Kwara, Kebbi and FCT, Anthony Emeka Chikezie, visited him at the assembly complex.

The speaker pointed out that most illicit miners across the state were migrants from some African countries, who entered the state without the knowledge of or proper documentation by the immigration service.

He told his visitors that the immigration service was lagging behind in the area of checking illegal immigrants into the state, adding that most of the security challenges bedevilling the state could be traced to these illegal miners who flood the state from neighbouring countries.

“The state is facing a lot of security challenges at the moment and the influx of these immigrants, who engage in illicit mining activities is not helping matters. The immigration service is lacking behind in this regard.

“I urge you to do more to address these gaps. We need to redouble our efforts to check their influx. That will also help in addressing some of the challenges we are facing in the area of security.”

He, therefore, assured the immigration service that the state assembly would look into some of the operational challenges facing it, with a view to seeking the support of the state government towards addressing them.

The speaker acknowledged that for  immigration to discharge its duties effectively, it requires the assistance of the state government, stressing that, “the government will assist you to be able to do your job effectively.”

He disclosed further that plans were underway by the state government to provide some assistance to the security agencies in the state with logistics to be able to function effectively, saying that immigration service would also be captured.

Earlier, the Assistant Comptroller General, who was accompanied on the visit by some officers of the command, presented a long list of challenges facing the service and solicited the support of the state assembly.

Some of the challenges, he said, includes operational vehicles and motorcycles, office furniture and the deplorable condition of its office accommodation.