The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has sought the help of the Nigerian Navy to halt illegal transborder migration originating from the Falomo and Liverpool jetty areas in Lagos.

Immigration chief in charge of Lagos, Kindle Osisanya, on Friday, condemned the illegal activities of some migrants at jetties.

“Passengers used to embark on waterways transportation  illegally from Porto Novo through the riverine routes to Lagos,” Mr Osisanya noted during a courtesy call to the Western Naval Command in Apapa. “This happens despite the presence of officials designated to  man ths marine border posts along that axis.”

He then called for renewed  synergy between NIS and the Nigerian Navy to enhance effective marine border security in the state.

“This is the major reason NIS  in Zone “A” is calling for renewed support from the Western Naval Command to secure the Nigerian territorial waters within Zone ‘A’ for enhanced national security,” he said.

Mr Osisanya said that such a collaborative effort between NIS and NN would help the nation in strengthening her economic activities along the marine border posts as well as preventing them from being porous.

He added that the team was  also acting on the directives of the Acting Comptroller – General of  the NIgeria Immigration Service ( ACGIS), Idris Jere.

The ACG during the visit said  that part of the mandatory service required from the Zone, which he oversees, is the security of land and marine borders within the zone.

The  Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Yakubu Wambai, in his response, expressed delight at the visit by the NIS management from Zone ‘A’ and promised the Command’s readiness to support their operation

He reiterated that the Western Naval Command had always had a very good working relationship with other security agencies such as: the Nigeria Customs Services, tge National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the  Police. 

(NAN)