Nigeria and the authorities of Niger Republic have entered into an understanding to enhance border security in line with ECOWS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons.
The understanding was reached yesterday in Abuja during a high-level meeting between the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS), Muhammad Babandede, and the visiting Nigerien Minister of Interior, Mr. Soly Amaodou.
When operational, it would enable the border security agents of both countries to work jointly at common border points and flanks of both countries to not only ensure enhanced intelligence sharing but also help to mitigate irregular migration.
A statement, issued yesterday by the NIS spokesman, Sunday James, and made available to The Nation, said: “The understanding will also allow for joint deployment of border officials of both countries to specific irregular routes/points in both countries to ensure that irregular migrants are discouraged from embarking on hazardous journeys through the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea,
“Create a platform for sensitization of citizens of the two countries on the need for them to always possess valid travel documents and avoid the use of irregular routes when crossing national frontiers in line with ECOWAS Protocol.
“The partnership is part of efforts by the two neighbouring countries to combat the increasing cases of irregular migration of youths of both countries which unfortunately has led to the death of many along the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean corridors.
“The Nigerien Minister of Interior was accompanied on the trip to Nigeria by Mr. Biko Ibrahim and Mahamar L Garba as well as Mr. Issaakou Abdou of the Nigerien Embassy in Nigeria.”