Immigration mobilises customs, police, others to tackle terror threats
In a bid to counter terrorism, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police Force and some international security organisations are currently in talks on strategic moves against terrorism and other criminal activities on the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). Speaking at the opening ceremony of ongoing Regional Workshop on Maritime Border security […]
mrs kemi nandap
In a bid to counter terrorism, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police Force and some international security organisations are currently in talks on strategic moves against terrorism and other criminal activities on the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
Speaking at the opening ceremony of ongoing Regional Workshop on Maritime Border security organised by the NIS on Tuesday, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nana Nandap, said the workshop emphasised the collective resolve of governments in West and Central Africa to tackle piracy, terrorism, illicit flow of arms, migrant smuggling, human trafficking and stowaway, among other transnational organised crimes.
Nandap also noted that the Atlantic Coast of the Gulf of Guinea, particularly near Nigeria, is notorious for piracy and other maritime crimes.
At the workshop themed “Maritime Security in the Context of Counter-Terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea”, the NIS boss stated that maritime insecurity from illegal oil bunkering, fishing, piracy, armed robbery and oil-related crimes threatened vessel and crew safety.
She added that these threats undermined regional stability and hindered economic growth and integration.
“As the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, I know the urgent priority of innovating countermeasures by deploying advanced surveillance systems and communication technologies for early detection and response.
“Mitigating maritime threats in this vital region requires a broad spectrum of initiatives, not limited to international collaboration but fortifying defence capabilities in the marine domain.
“The NIS plays a pivotal role in maritime border security while ensuring that foreign terrorist fighters and other criminal elements do not exploit our territorial integrity.
“Passenger facilitation and control of travel documents are the root of all counter-terrorist interventions. We will continue to prioritise cooperation, professionalism, and deployment of cutting-edge technologies in the surveillance and management of our borders.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service is dedicated to utilising API/PNR for better intelligence sharing and strengthening maritime security through robust visa administration where applicable.
“We recognise its benefits for air-border security and will expand our Border Management Information System (BMIS) to marine frontiers to counter international threats in the GoG.
“Our threats are transnational, and so must be our response. No agency or government involved in border security and migration management can operate independently. The NIS is committed to collaborating with regional and global partners to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration at sea without compromising security.
“Let us conclude this workshop with clear action plans, stronger partnerships, and a renewed determination to secure the Gulf of Guinea for prosperity and peace,” Nandap stated.
Similarly, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised the need to close existing gaps in the country’s financial system, noting that terrorists have exploited these loopholes to fund their activities.
Speaking to journalists at the workshop, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, disclosed that the police had finalised plans to strengthen marine security operations.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while declaring the event opened, appreciated the NIS for taking the lead in the move to review the country’s border strategic policy.
He emphasised the importance of border security in the general wellbeing of Nigerians, while reiterating the readiness of the federal government to take difficult decisions in protecting the Nigerian border.
The gathering has in attendance, security and intelligence agents from Italy, Philippines, Mauritius, Togo, Britain, Cameroon, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin Republic, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome, Germany and Denmark.