NIS arrests 303 suspected irregular migrants 

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested 303 suspected irregular migrants in the Uyo metropolis in their mop-up exercise conducted in Akwa Ibom State.

The Comptroller of Immigration Service in Akwa Ibom State Command, Mrs Francisca Dakat, revealed this while briefing newsmen after the mop-up exercise in Uyo on Saturday.

Dakat added that out of the 303 apprehended, 285 were adults while 18 were minors.

According to her, the mop-up exercise was in line with the service directives that non-Nigerian should not partake in the forthcoming general elections.

She stated that before the mop-up exercise, the command had earlier carried out a sensitisation workshop for all non-Nigerian residents in the state.

“The mop-up exercise which took place in Uyo metropolis will be a continuous exercise and will be extended to all the 31 Local Government Areas of the state.

“A total of 303 suspected irregular migrants were apprehended at different locations in the state capital.

“The 303 suspected irregular migrants were profiled and 203 were confirmed Nigeriens while 100 were Nigerians who have since been handed to their community leaders,” Dakat said.

Dakat urged non-nationals who are residents in the state and those who visited for business or leisure purposes to ensure that they have valid travel documents to prevent running afoul of immigration extant laws.

The comptroller warned non-Nigerians against participating directly or indirectly in the forthcoming general elections, stressing that culprits will be punished accordingly.

She commended the Comptroller General of NIS, the state government and other security agencies for their support to ensure the success of the mop-up exercise.