… AS NIS commissions 30 Operational Vehicles
By Palma Ileye
In continued efforts to bolsters security at the nation’s borders and ensure safety of Nigerians, the Federal Government through the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, an Agency under the Ministry of Interior has commissioned thirty, (30) Operational Vehicles to reiterate commitment in deploying all measures to achieve this feat.
Speaking during the inauguration held at the Headquarters of the NIS, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubumi Tunji-Ojo stated that the acquisition of the thirty Operational Vehicles was a collaborative effort with the NNPCL to further boost the Nigeria Immigration Service’s contribution to the development of the security architecture.
Tunji-Ojo said the Federal Government would not rest on its oars to reinvigorate efforts towards securing the nation’s borders.
He said, “I thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for believing and also devoting and dedicating everything to ensure that Nigeria becomes a safe nation, as i always say a secured border is a safe nation, what we see today is a testament to the fact that the President believes and he is also walking the talk.”
He expressed resolution to a better welfare of Officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service also urging them to step up operations for actionable border security.
“The job of the Nigeria Immigration Service goes beyond passports, it goes into providing that Frontline of support and defense for our country.
“An efficient Nigerian Immigration Service will lead to a secured border and once we have a secured border there will be less pressure on our military officers.
“The time for rhetorics is over, the time for action, performance, defense and security of our borders is now,” the Minister added.
Also, the Comptroller General of the Service, Kemi Nandap charged the personnel to diligently utilize the vehicles and take responsibility of securing the nation’s borders.
Saying that the acquisition of these vehicles underscores the NIS unwavering commitment to border surveillance, security and determination to stay one step ahead of those who seek to undermine the laws and threaten the safety of citizens
She said that with the enhanced mobility, border patrol teams will be better equipped to detect and deter illegal activities including smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons and other transnational crimes.
She noted that the commissioning of 30 operational vehicles for border surveillance and patrol was a tangible effort to enhance the security and integrity of the nation’s borders, which was in line with the renewed hope agenda of the present administration.
She said, “I am acutely aware of the imperative role that effective border surveillance and patrol play in safeguarding our sovereignty, protecting our citizens, preserving our economic prosperity as well as facilitating regular, safe, and orderly migration. These 30 new vehicles represent a concrete investment in our capacity, providing our dedicated Officers with the tools needed to carry out their duties.
“The acquisition of these vehicles underscores our unwavering commitment to border security and our determination to stay one step ahead of those who seek to undermine our laws and threaten our safety.
“With enhanced mobility, our border patrol teams will be better equipped to detect and deter illegal activities, including smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons and other transnational crimes.
“This investment in Border Security will be complimented with a rejig of our Border Corps architecture to include agile Sector Commanders to carry out consistent surveillance and patrol of our border in line with our core mandate.
“As we commission these vehicles into service, I charge all our officers and men to diligently utilize and maintain them. Own the responsibility of securing our borders, be dogged and watchful.
“Have integrity and ensure that you do not partake in any acts that contravene our laws or tarnish the image of the Nigerian Immigration Service. We will not tolerate any compromise to the nation’s security.”
Nandap warned that she would not tolerate any compromise to the nation’s security.
