The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Akwa Ibom State Command, on Friday, held a nationwide sensitisation campaign against migrant smuggling, with the theme “Say No to Migrant Smuggling.”
Speaking during the event in Uyo, the Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, DCIS, Hellen Bassey, who represented the State Comptroller, Akwa Ibom State Command, CIS, A.G. Odika emphasized the need for orderly and lawful migration.
“If you must migrate, migrate orderly, safely, and regularly,” she advised.
DCIS Bassey called for stronger collaboration between the public and the Service to curb the rising trend of migrant smuggling and irregular migration, stressing that community participation was essential in winning the fight.
She acknowledged that while irregular migration could not be completely eradicated, sustained awareness and enforcement efforts were yielding positive results.
“Over time, and with sensitisation like this, we have intercepted about 96 illegal immigrants from the Oron axis and 46 from Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State. All cases have been reported to our headquarters,” she revealed.
“We are doing our best to curb the menace, and with the cooperation of our staff and sister agencies, we are winning the war,” she added.
Representing the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service from the Migration Directorate, Abuja at the event was CSI. T. C. Ekeoma, who noted that the nationwide campaign was officially launched on November 3, in Lagos to address the menace of irregular migration.
He expressed optimism that the Akwa Ibom Command would not only key into the campaign but also sustain it through community engagement and enforcement.
“This campaign is designed to create awareness among residents on the dangers and consequences of irregular migration,” Ekeoma stated.
The grand finale of the nation-wide sensitization exercise on the dangers of irregular migration carried out by the Nigeria Immigration Service, Akwa Ibom State Command.
The sensitisation exercise featured a walkout along major streets in Uyo metropolis, drawing participation from various security and government agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Fire Service, and the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Information and Strategy, among others, who all presented goodwill messages.
