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The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) state commands in nine Nigerian states, which are located on the borders with other countries, have concluded a one-week sensitization campaign against irregular migration and the smuggling of migrants (SOM). There are reports of ongoing cross-border migration of unregistered migrants into Nigeria through porous borders, which compound the country’s socioeconomic
Irregular migration: Nigerian border states end one-week sensitization campaign

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) state commands in nine Nigerian states, which are located on the borders with other countries, have concluded a one-week sensitization campaign against irregular migration and the smuggling of migrants (SOM).

There are reports of ongoing cross-border migration of unregistered migrants into Nigeria through porous borders, which compound the country’s socioeconomic and security challenges.

The sensitization activities were held from Tuesday, November 5, to Friday, November 8, 2024.

In Cross River State, which borders the Republic of Cameroon, the sensitization outreach took the state command to local communities, traditional rulers, tertiary institutions, religious congregations, and marketplaces, educating them on the perils of irregular migration, particularly the smuggling of migrants.

The aim was to dissuade potential victims of migrant smuggling and prevent the irregular migration of Nigerians, according to the comptroller of NIS in the state, Prisca Ogbodo.

In a statement signed by the command’s public relations officer, Mr. Asi SK Unakang, the comptroller charged the personnel to be ambassadors against migrant smuggling and human trafficking in line with their statutory duties.

She noted that the geographic situation of Cross River State, as a border state, implies that the state would be a source, transit, and destination location for irregular migration, including the smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons.

Audience responses and reactions across the target sensitization locations in Calabar showed that the issue of SOM was highly relevant to the public.

At Edim Otop market, market men and women were recorded requesting a strengthened government response to human and organ trafficking.

In another community, Nyangasang, during a town hall meeting, locals shared their unpleasant experiences as former victims of smuggling.

Irregular migration: Nigerian border states end one-week sensitization campaign

A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, has called on President Bola Tinubu to work with the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to protect national assets located in the state. Secondus, who was reacting to last Saturday’s Local Government elections in Rivers State, reminded Tinubu of the importance of the state.
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A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, has called on President Bola Tinubu to work with the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to protect national assets located in the state. Secondus, who was reacting to last Saturday’s Local Government elections in Rivers State, reminded Tinubu of the importance of the state.

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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has rescued an eight-year-old boy, Divine Ibanga, from his abductors, more than one year after being declared missing. The Uyo Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mr Emmanuel Awhen, who made the disclosure in Uyo on Saturday, said the boy had been reunited with his parents.
NAPTIP rescues 8-year-old boy in Akwa Ibom, reunites him with parents

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has rescued an eight-year-old boy, Divine Ibanga, from his abductors, more than one year after being declared missing.

The Uyo Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mr Emmanuel Awhen, who made the disclosure in Uyo on Saturday, said the boy had been reunited with his parents.

Awhen said that Divine was stolen on September 1, 2023, by someone yet to be arrested while he was playing with his elder brother at their compound in Port Harcourt.

According to him, the boy was rescued by the Abuja office of the agency which brought him to the Uyo zonal command to trace his biological parents.

“The boy, Divine, was rescued by NAPTIP Abuja Headquarters and then sent to us, where we were able to put him on television and social media.

“We were able to get the parents, who came in from Port Harcourt and then we decided to reunite the child with the parents.

“From the parents’ story, Divine and his elder brother were playing in the compound when a visitor walked into the compound on that fateful day.

“The visitor gave the elder brother N200 to buy biscuits and when the elder brother had gone to buy the biscuits the visitor took Divine away,” Awhen said.

The commander explained that child theft is becoming rampant and cautioned parents to be extra careful, pointing out that some of those who engage in stealing children are neighbours and friends.

Narrating their ordeal, the victim’s mother, Mrs Comfort Ibanga, a petty trader in Port Harcourt from Essien Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom, said Divine was stolen while she was away for her daily market activities.

She narrated how they moved from one Prophet and Prophetess to another and from one Church to another seeking divine intervention.

She said that her neighbour, one Aunty Mercy, who was at home when the incident happened and another man were arrested by the police but were later released.

Ibanga expressed gratitude to God and NAPTIP for rescuing their son from captivity.

NAPTIP rescues 8-year-old boy in Akwa Ibom, reunites him with parents