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Security agencies need single checking point, they will have strength to repel attacks – Kebbi Govt
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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nana Nandap, has insisted that the Service remains resilient, unwavering in its determination to secure the nation’s borders despite the attack and killing of its personnel at Bakin Ruwa village along Maje border in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Nandap, who stated this during her courtesy visit to the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, in Birnin Kebbi, to solicit more support for the Service in the state, noted that they would not be distracted from protecting the country’s territory from illegal immigrants and criminals.
It will be recalled that suspected Lakurawa killed three NIS officers on Thursday night, November 27, 2025, where they set ablaze a petroleum tanker at the border point, engulfing the entire checking point and killing the three officers.
While addressing the Kebbi governor, Nandap said: “It is with deep respect and sober reflection that we are here today. How I wish our gathering here were under different circumstances, but the recent tragic attack that claimed the lives of some of our officers—very great officers and personnel. These men are sons, husbands and fathers to some people, and they usually wake up every day to do their duties, report at our borders, safeguard our nation, and contribute to the peace and unity of Kebbi State.
“Your Excellency, Kebbi State occupies a strategic position in the country, because it is a border state. It is a gateway for travellers and cultural exchanges. This same gateway is also exploited by criminal elements. Their activities are threatening the national economy and our diversities. However, we are pained that these routes are exploited by criminal elements whose actions endanger our lives every day, threaten our unity, and jeopardise national security.
“Today, our visit here is to honour the sacrifices of our fallen officers and also to assure you that we remain unwavering in our commitment to protect this state and this nation.
“I must reiterate that even in the face of mourning, we are not discouraged. We remain resilient, dedicated, and professional in doing our work despite these challenges. But we must realise that for the security agencies to succeed, we cannot do it in isolation. In this regard, we solicit the Kebbi State government’s continued support because the state has always been there for the NIS. We do not take this partnership for granted.”
Nandap, who acknowledged the role of Kebbi State in fostering community engagements, noted that the state has been encouraging security agencies’ synergy and expressed hope that such partnership would continue.
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She said: “At this time, we would just appeal to you to continue with the support you always give to us. We would continue to seek collaboration to ensure we strengthen border governance and intelligence sharing among various agencies. We are also seeking continued community sensitisation, because it is when people understand what irregular migration brings to society that we can secure our borders.
“We must ensure that we discourage illegal migration, and the only way to do this is through community engagement—only then can we curb border criminals as well.”
She sought logistic support from the government to enable officers to work effectively.
“I want to let you know that we are mourning today, but we are not discouraged. The Nigeria Immigration Service is resilient, professional and determined to face these challenges. We will continue to defend our territory, protect our people, and honour the memory of those who served the nation courageously to the very end.”
In his reaction, Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar, who extended the state government’s condolences to the NIS, suggested that all security agencies should have a single checking point at border areas in order to have enough officers to repel any attack at their duty posts.
The governor, who described the murder of the three officers as a tragedy, noted that they were gallant officers who sacrificed their lives in the course of their duties.
“Very sad, very unfortunate incident. It is our prayers that Almighty Allah will give the families the fortitude to bear the loss. The government would ensure that the security agencies in the state are working together as a team. And we will continue to extend our collaboration to the NIS and other security agencies working in the state.
“What happened that day at the checking point made us realise that we need to check the number of checking points in the state. Instead of allowing Immigration to have a checking point in one place, Customs, Police or Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in another nearby, we should look at merging them and having a joint checking point. That would give them more strength and officers at each point, and they would be able to counter any criminal that wanted to attack. This is one of the major measures we are taking to protect the lives of brothers and sisters working in the state.”
At the Emir Gwandu Palace, Nandap sought the traditional rulers’ support to bridge the communication gap between the NIS and the community, stressing that traditional rulers are closer to their people and capable of maintaining peace and unity.
In his response, the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Illiyasu Bashar, who is also Chairman of the Council of Chiefs, commiserated with the NIS and urged them not to relent in defending the nation’s territory.
He charged them to continue to discharge their duties professionally and without fear, especially by properly checking aliens and illegal immigrants entering the country and threatening national security.
