CG, Muhammad Babandede
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Muhammad Babandede on Thursday commenced a two-day visit to immigration service formations in Cross River State, to evaluate the reported attacks on communities in the state by Cameroonian soldiers.
It was learnt that the CG would tour patrol bases and control posts bordering Cameroon to assess the situation on the ground following repeated invasions of border communities by the gendarmes, the latest of which occurred at Danare in Boki Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa had said that six Nigerians were shot by gendarmes from Bodam community during the invasion on the Nigerian territory a few days ago.
The victims, who were hospitalized, however survived the attack.
The Immigration Service Public Relations Officer, Sunday James said in a statement that Babandede would validate the reports from the operatives in the crisis area which would be presented to the Federal Government for further action.
He explained that the CG would also assess the readiness of operatives on the ground to ensure the safety of citizens and the preparedness of the commands around the Cameroonian border in checking influx of illegal migrants.
The NIS spokesman stated that Babandede admonished the NIS operatives to be diplomatic, professional, and where necessary midwife the Federal Government directive in managing the migratory issues in collaboration with other border security agencies.
He explained that the operatives were to enforce effective checks, data capturing, refusal of entry where necessary and granting admission or entry in deserving cases.
James noted that the Nigeria Immigration Service had the responsibility to ascertain the situation on the ground and validate reports from the field operatives on the issues involving the Cameroonian security forces and Nigerian nationals in the border communities.
“The Comptroller-General of Immigration would soon return to report his findings and draw up further line of action in line with his personal assessment of the situation. Meetings would also be held with stakeholders at Mumbai and other points in the course of his visit to the state,” the statement added.
It further said that the immigration boss paid a courtesy call on Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade at the Government House.
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