By ADELANI ADEPEGBA

The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, has called for more investments in border security, especially in the area of e-border, in order to effectively monitor the country’s porous borders.

Babandede, who spoke against the backdrop of numerous unmanned borders areas in the North-East and other parts of the country, said the best way to monitor activities at the point of entries was patrol with modern technology.

The immigration boss, in an exclusive interview with SUNDAY PUNCH, said Nigeria did not have the resources to build walls around its borders.

When asked the number of illegal routes leading into the country, Babandede said, “I wish I know. You cannot count them. I hear a lot of stories that there are over 100 routes. Look at the desert, an open space. Our duty is to continue to use patrols and modern technology.

“That’s why we have e-borders where we can monitor, in real-time, the borders. I am not for building a wall; people would learn how to break through the wall or jump over it. We have no resources to invest in that.”

The NIS CG added that the present administration had improved on border patrols.

“If you compare this administration with the previous one, you would commend them (current government agencies). I think they have done well. Investment in e-border is an investment in border security. They have also given us patrol vehicles; we have communication gadgets. I believe the government has invested. It is also not enough for us; but they have done better compared to the previous administration,” he said.

Babandede disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the registration of migrants in order to properly monitor the activities of those staying in the country illegally.

He said every non-Nigerian that entered the country and had stayed for a period exceeding 90 days would be expected to register in their states of residence.

The CG said, “We have started removing people staying illegally in Nigeria. That was why we removed the Ghanaians from our territory. We have also introduced the registration of migrants. We introduced the registration of non-Nigerians and Mr President has approved it.

“We want to make sure every non-Nigerian, who has entered our territory and stayed for a period exceeding 90 days, must register in their states of residence.

“Initially, we wanted to take it to the local government, but we don’t have the resources. We are doing a pilot scheme in the state capital. This law is very important because it also mandates the person providing accommodation to report an unregistered visitor.

“For example, you operate a hotel and you have a Nigerien or Canadian staying there for 90 days, it is your duty to ask him if he has registered. I am not talking about only hotels; even if it is a factory. We have got the equipment and we are training officers. We are also getting the support of the International Organisation for Migration and funding from Germany. The software has been installed which would be linked to the entry at the airports.”

Source: https://punchng.com/immigration-deploys-tech-mobile-patrols-to-guard-porous-borders/amp/

I commend Buhari for actually showing interest in this issue. Registering immigrants will be effective if there's a centralized database and reporting guidelines are followed. Businesses that dont would have to be subject to fines or criminal charges. The software software should be available at land borders as well.

He's right sbout walls being too expensive for Nigeria. Physical barriers work ask Hungary and Israel. Walls aren't force fields but they do significantly reduce traffic.

There is no point registering illegal immigrants. Send them back to the home countries, that's what they do to Nigerians.

Gucciboss:
There is no point registering illegal immigrants. Send them back to the home countries, that's what they do to Nigerians.

The CG said, “We have started removing people staying illegally in Nigeria. That was why we removed the Ghanaians from our territory. 

Registrating migrants makes their job easier. The reporting requirements also make sure they dont move around too essily. It also helps to know if its same person coming back under fake name if you have biometric information. Lol They are starting to take their jobs more seriously after Ghana deported hundreads of Nigerians.

Cheaper to build walls.

Sai Trump

We need a wall!

Medicine after death, 90 percent of Okada rider in Nigeria are Ninja, Cameroon, den go even beat you join if you dear talk to them anyhow they will gather you like rain.

I do White SEO, I rank Business on Google
come and see result before you start

We have many illegal immigrants and foreigners in Nigeria doing what we can’t do in their countries. Like the Ghanaian Olosho waist trainer flaunting on Instagram. While Nigerian olosho can’t have peace in Ghana

Ok sir

Una just dey wake up? Sebi Hausa for Chad na Nigerian. rubbish.

Okay

Good

Nice one.
But we need to start producing sha. The country needs to start making money

Nonsense

Amuocha:
Cheaper to build walls.

Sai Trump

Lol its not. Hungary border fence cost $523 million dollars. Ours would be much longer.

baby124:
We have many illegal immigrants and foreigners in Nigeria doing what we can’t do in their countries. Like the Ghanaian Olosho waist trainer flaunting on Instagram. While Nigerian olosho can’t have peace in Ghana

ainas247:
Medicine after death, 90 percent of Okada rider in Nigeria are Ninja, Cameroon, den go even beat you join if you dear talk to them anyhow they will gather you like rain.

Toosure70:
Una just dey wake up? Sebi Hausa for Chad na Nigerian. rubbish.

Lol report them. The government needs its snitches.

If properly documented especially in Lagos and the North, you would be surprised to know that nearly a quarter of the people in Nigeria are immigrants from west and central Africa, competing with us for jobs and other national resources.

Hehehe.... Make I laugh small.. U will only see dem in southern borders... While d northern borders are a express for anyone speaking hausa

Come carry those ones at Lagos airport, they should be posted to Borno

They are registering immigrants to use rig in Biafra and Nigeria referendum.

Gucciboss:
There is no point registering illegal immigrants. Send them back to the home countries, that's what they do to Nigerians.

The fear of IPOB catching Nigeria expired amalgamation.


I want to use this opportunity to call on IPOB forces at the Biafra borders to do the needful. We are at war technically.


Nigeria can't be one.

Lol, all lies

If true, it will only be applicable to southern borders at Ogun, Lagos, Calabar while the northern borders are spread wide open for Fulani militia from Chad, Niger, Burkinafaso, Gambia, etc to stroll in like Lords, deceitful government of the north for the north

Where is flight patrols. I remember him mentioning it 2 years ago.

Rubbish

These people are filled with unfulfilled promises always the same thing with Buhari and his cohorts

Good step forward.
I am aware that for the first time in decades, Nigeriens and other foreigners crossing our border into Sokoto now have to register and be fingerprinted.
But, govt should not rest on its oars there's a lot more to be done

Keep fooling yourselves. When I was in Sokoto, Nigeriens walked in and out of that place like it's nothing.

The border in the whole of Northern Nigeria is unmanned or very porous.


However, there is heavy presence of security operatives from Badagry to Cross Rivers (southern border).

E-what? Another 700m website.

bskyb:
Good step forward.
I am aware that for the first time in decades, Nigeriens and other foreigners crossing our border into Sokoto now have to register and be fingerprinted.
But, govt should not rest on its oars there's a lot more to be done

Vado:
Keep fooling yourselves. When I was in Sokoto, Nigeriens walked in and out of that place like it's nothing.

Lol decades foreal? Its weird both of you witnessed opposite occurrences. Im guessing the one of you saw people coming in illegally. I guess the should step up patrol along with other security sector reforms.

Blue3k:
I commend Buhari for actually showing interest in this issue. Registering immigrants will be effective if there's a centralized database and reporting guidelines are followed. Businesses that dont would have to be subject to fines or criminal charges. The software software should be available at land borders as well.

He's right sbout walls being too expensive for Nigeria. Physical barriers work ask Hungary and Israel. Walls aren't force fields but they do significantly reduce traffic.

I did not bother reading why you commend buhari.
I will read when you commend buhari for listening and acting on the cries of Nigerians on the open, wanton corruption in the NIS concerning the renewal and issuing of Nigerian international passports.
Why is our passport booklets scarce and 3 times the official price?