From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin
The Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Kwara State Command, Mr. Ahamefule Nwachukwu has disclosed that some citizens of Niger Republic that came into the state have been repatriated immediately.
The Comptroller stated this while speaking with Journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday. He said the suspected immigrants did not have valid documents to show that they are members of ECOWAS and genuine foreigners.
He said, “There were some suspected illegal immigrants that were brought at a spot at Tanke by a trailer. They did not come in through the border. We mobilized and rounded them up. We have nine of them on ground and they are Nigeriens. We have made arrangements to repatriate them to their country.
“It may not be out of place that they could pose security challenge as they have no travel documents. They have come into the country and Kwara State through illegal basis. They do not have national travel documents to show that they are travelers from Niger.
“They have identified themselves as Nigeriens. That is why we are repatriating them to Niger. If they were to have normal travelling documents, we will receive them as ECOWAS citizens who have the right of free movement.
“In such a situation, they could be suspected to be unwanted elements. If they do not appear to be unwanted elements, since they do not have proper identification, they could constitute security risk.
“We are still trying to mop up more of such. Though we did not find any incriminating evidence on them but assuming they were to be terrorists, they do not come with incriminating or dangerous weapons on themselves but people who want to use them are waiting to use them. They will later give them the materials or weapons needed for the operation”, he explained.
The Comptroller said they were brought in a vehicle but before the information could reach them, there was no trace of the vehicle.
One of the suspects identified simply as Isiaka said they came to Nigeria to do menial jobs like loading of cement and other related works.
He denied any motive to constitute security threat stressing that they were just unfortunate as their travel documents had just expired.
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