NIS sensitises Illela border community on dangers of smuggling, trafficking

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has taken awareness campaign on the dangers of smuggling and trafficking in persons to Illela border community of Sokoto State.

The Comptroller, NIS, Illela Border Command, Mr Tony Akuneme, led a team of officers on the campaign to educate the community on the negative impact of smuggling and trafficking.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign, which included a road walk and a visit to the Palace of the District Head, aimed to raise awareness and enlist the community’s support in combating these crimes.

NAN also reports that Local council officials, transport union leaders, traders, and other stakeholders attended the event, pledging their cooperation with the NIS.

Akuneme explained that smuggling and trafficking often lead to exploitation, abuse, and even death, and urged the community to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

He said that the campaign was part of the NIS’s broader strategy to tackle irregular migration and smuggling, in line with the Comptroller-General’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders.

“The NIS is committed to securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting its citizens from the dangers of smuggling and trafficking,” Akuneme said.

The NIS boss commended the community for their cooperation with the NIS and conveyed the NIS Comptroller-General’s commitment to tackling irregular migration and smuggling.

“We thank you for your years of mutual coexistence with our personnel and convey the warm wishes of the CGIS who has declared war on irregular migration and Smuggling of Migrants, especially underaged girls,”he said.

Speaking, the District Head, Sarikin Biniwa, commended the NIS for its efforts and emphasised the need for collective action against smuggling and trafficking.

He prayed for the Federal Government of Nigeria, the NIS and the CGIS for better days ahead.

“We must work together to protect our community and our nation from the dangers of smuggling and trafficking,” Sarikin Biniwa said.

Highpoints of the event was a picnic where officers received cash prizes for a dance competition..