Insecurity: Governor tasks Nigeria Immigration on adequate border patrols

*The rate foreigners are coming into the country illegally, through the land borders is alarming in recent times, says Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In restating the fact that crimes perpetrated in the state forest reserves were carried out by foreigners, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, has urged the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to enhance security around the land borders with a view to stopping foreign herdsmen from gaining access into the country.

The governor noted most crimes perpetrated in the state forest reserves were done by foreigners.

Akeredolu, who stated this during a courtesy visit by ACG Dora Amahian, Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘F’ of the Nigeria Immigration Service, comprising Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti States, said the rate foreigners were coming into the country through the land borders was alarming in recent times.

Muhammed Babandede, Comptroller-General of NIS

He as well lamented the foreigners have almost remained permanent in the reserve.

The unknown individuals coming into the country are without record and identity, said the governor.

Akeredolu told ACG Amahian: “We all know what this service is established to do. It’s clear to us. The number of people who come into Nigeria through the land border is becoming alarming.

“Knowing your efforts to secure our borders, we are worried about some foreigners that come in and are almost permanent in our forest reserve. I know a number of criminal activities that are being perpetrated in our reserves that are done by foreigners.

“Yes! Foreigners. They might be Fulanis but they are not Nigerians. I think there must be collaborations; collaborations with other security agencies.”

He added: “That way you can function well and achieve more results. Collaborate with security agencies like Amotekun.

“Peace is very important to us, not only in the Southwest or Ondo State but peace in the country. All over the country, we are being ravaged by foreigners.”

ACG Amahian, in her remarks praised the cordial relationship between the state and the Immigration Service.

The NIS Zonal Coordinator said the passion of Governor Akeredolu for good governance and delivery of dividends of democracy has been seen in his ability to maintain peace as evident in the peaceful co-existence of the diverse people of the state.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-West caucus in the House of Representatives at the National Assembly (NASS) has declared support for any legitimate step to flush out criminals in the region.

The lawmakers, who commended Akeredolu over the fight against criminality in the South-West, said the cultural differences of the various ethnicities in the country must be respected.

The governor also explained that it was part of the move to secure the state and South-West in general that led to the creation of the Amotekun Corps.

“The most important thing you have said is that we have to think about our people first and in doing that, we have to make a declaration, said he.

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