Posted by By Evelyn Usman on
AS fears of possible terrorists attacks heightened in the country, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) weekend said it had mapped out security measures at all entry points in the country to monitor the movements of persons in and out of Nigeria with a view to forestalling terrorism.
LAGOS - AS fears of possible terrorists attacks heightened in the country, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) weekend said it had mapped out security measures at all entry points in the country to monitor the movements of persons in and out of Nigeria with a view to forestalling terrorism.
Already, NIS had begun the installation of digital cameras which also have features for finger printing at some of the 10 entry points including the Muritala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, the Calabar Airport, Seme boarder.
The service newly appointed Public Relations Officer, Mr Ekpedeme King told reporters in Lagos that at the end of the installation, the photograph, finger prints and other vital information of every person entering or leaving the country would be recorded and put in the data bank for record purpose.
The monitoring which he stated are in categories comprised of those that are deportees from Nigeria. He said " if an expatriate is deported from the country, his photograph, finger prints will be recorded for easier identification should he decide to come back.
The second category is for those allowed entry into the country. We will keep their records . This also include expatriates. The Comptroller General of Immigration, Mr Chukwurah Udeh intends to work with other security agencies to ensure that the war against terrorism in the country is not only fought but won".
"The third category is for our deportees who have embarrassed the country. Their records will be taken immediately they arrive at the Muritala Mohammed Airport."
He also disclosed the service intention to introduce a Personalise Indorsement Stamp whereby every endorsement officer at the airports will have his own code. This he explained was to check ‘sharp' practices of stamps and to monitor activities of persons.
Security, he said, had also been beefed up at the boarders with a view to checking illegal immigrants who come into the country to constitute nuisance and escape through same routes. Already, about 250 Immigration officers according to him, would this week leave for Gwarzo , Borno state for boarder patrol training even as he expressed satisfaction over the relationship between the Police and Immigration in the Enhanced Boarder Patrol.
The officer highlighted training and retraining of officers as one of the focus of the service present administration.