The Niger state command of the Nigeria Immigration Service has intercepted 32 illegal Migrants in Niger state.
The migrants who are mostly Nigeriens and Malians had sneaked into the country through illegal routes, the Comptroller, Mamman Ango disclosed.
According to him, the arrest was made in a bid to secure the country’s border and bring an end to illegal crossing by migrants.
Ango said that the migrants were between the ages of 12 to 35 and were interrupted in Kontagora adding that when interrogated confessed that they were heading to Lagos in search of greener pastures.
He said that the illegal migrants were created by the Joint Border Operation Drill codenamed “Ex-Swift Response” which comprised of men of the Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, and Police.
“Sector 3 of the Joint Border Operation Drill located in Kontagora axis intercepted the migrants who are all males and brought them this morning to the command.
“We have profiled them and ascertained the nationality of each of them for immediate repatriation back to their respective countries.”
The Comptroller further said that two 18-seaters buses are being ready to transport the migrants to Kamba Control Post in Kebbi state stating that from there, they would be handed over to the representatives of their respective countries.
Ango then said that the Immigration Service has no problem with anyone coming into the country in search of greener pasture but stated that they need to go through the right channel and procedures of entering the country.
He called for cooperation from the public to avail the Immigration Service and other security agencies with useful information to ensure the end is seen of illegal migration into Niger state.