The Oyo command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has warned residents against harbouring illegal migrants.

The comptroller in Oyo, Muhammed Umar, gave the warning while speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Mr Umar said it was an offence for anyone in the state and Nigeria to harbour illegal migrants, adding that anyone found guilty would be prosecuted.

The comptroller said that harbouring illegal migrants could infringe on the country`s security, a development that the service would not condone.

“Every non-Nigeria that is here and doing a legitimate business should have registered with the service, which is an indication that such a person is legally here,“ Mr Umar said.

The comptroller further warned residents not to facilitate and aid in smuggling migrants into the country.

Mr Umar said the service would continue sensitisation along the border areas on the implication of assisting or facilitating border crossing of illegal migrants.

He said that those trying to cross the border illegally mostly don’t have the proper documents to be accepted in the country.

“It is a big offence to engage in smuggling of migrants, facilitating the entry of people through illegal means,” the comptroller said.

The comptroller said that the NIS border patrol team had apprehended several illegal migrants and repatriated them.

Mr Umar called on passport applicants to avoid patronising touts to get their international passports but follow the procedure by registering online.

He said a new passport office would soon be inaugurated in Oyo town to reduce the pressure on the Ibadan passport centre.

(NAN)