The federal government has tightened security at all the nation’s borders ahead of the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1.

Kemi Nandap, comptroller general of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), said this in a statement by the service’s spokesperson, Kenneth Udo, on Saturday in Abuja.

Ms Nandap directed all zonal heads, state command comptrollers and divisional immigration officers across the country to be extra vigilant.

She said officers and men of the service should intensify surveillance given the planned protest by some groups.

Ms Nandap also said the directive was to ensure that foreign elements do not come into the country to participate in the protests.

“In keeping with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s gateways placed on the shoulders of the service, officers, especially heads of border commands, are tasked to rise to the occasion.

“This is by ensuring that no foreign element can take advantage of the protest to destabilise the country,” she said.

The NIS CG directed temporary suspension of all leave applications and charged officers to exercise utmost professionalism and patriotism in discharging their duties.

Ms Nandap assured all Nigerians of the service’s preparedness to safeguard the nation’s borders and enhance national security.

(NAN)