Buhari orders security boost around the nation’s borders

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, in Abuja instructed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to enhance surveillance and control around the border of the country.

He instructed NIS to guarantee that criminals do not find Nigeria as a place of refuge to hide and carry out their crime.

In accordance with a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President gave the mandate in his speech at the virtual inauguration of the NIS Technology Building.

The statement was tagged “President Buhari directs Immigration Service to tighten security around borders, urges security outfits to raise performance.”

President Buhari was cited as also directing all security agencies to increase their performance in safeguarding lives and property, with an order that the Global Security Index of the country must be enhanced.

He assured them his government will give the required support for their operations.

He additionally advised the NIS to team up with global security organisations like INTERPOL in protecting the borders.

He said, “As a security agency, I charge you to be relentless in carrying out your statutory duties of keeping our borders safe while you ensure that criminal elements don’t find Nigeria as a safe haven to hide and perpetrate their criminality.

“I urge you to actively collaborate with international security organisations like the INTERPOL, in safeguarding our borders. Remember that a safe border is a prerequisite for a safe nation.

“You must develop strong working relationships and ties with the international community and friendly nations as it relates to migration management; adopt and implement workable strategies from them while also sharing your best practices.

“Frontline workers and operators should remember that they are our windows to the world. They must show the best face of Nigeria at all times.”

The President lauded the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, for constantly pushing for the completion of the Technology Building, which will serve as the Command and Control Centre of the NIS, and also the storehouse of personal data of Nigerians and refugees residing in Nigeria.

He said, “This is in line with the vision of our administration to formulate and implement policies that will protect and enhance the lives and standards of living for Nigerians.

“This administration is relentless in its avowed desire to create an enabling business environment that will usher in economic boom for Nigerians and all those who do business with and in Nigeria.”

Buhari additionally commended all officers and men of the NIS for their commitment and work towards changing into a World Class Migration Management Agency.