Porous border fuelling terrorism, NIS Boss says

The acting Comptroller-General of Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Rilwanu Bala Musa, Thursday admitted that porous borders presented a huge challenge to the agency, especially at the North-eastern part of the country through which Boko Haram insurgents infiltrate to wreak havoc on the country.
Musa stated this during the sensitisation briefing on the activities mapped out to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the NIS.
He described the porous borders as problematic, adding that it was one of the major tasks he undertook on assumption of office.
He, however, noted that the federal government had intensified effort to fortify these areas and ensure that further infiltration of terrorists into the country was stopped.
He said: 'NIS has acknowledged that capacity building is key to success at meeting our goals. Therefore, the NIS has continually trained and retrained its officers and men on the use of IT tools, intelligence gathering and analysis and other numerous fields to improve our capacity.

'However, we also acknowledge that the land borders have been our weakest link. On assumption of duty, I undertook a tour of our borders at the north-eastern part of the country.
'I observed the environment, discussed with stakeholders in the region and have made my recommendations to the government. I am excited that government is handling the situation well.'
The ongoing offensive by soldiers in parts of the North-east against Boko Haram had exposed many foreign elements within the ranks of the insurgents, who easily entered and exited the country to carry out their terror attacks.
The immigration boss also announced that some NIS officers had been dismissed for indiscipline, including lateness to office and negligence to duties.

On the activities lined up for the NIS golden jubilee, Musa said it would be a week-long event comprising prayers at the National Mosque and Church, lectures, ceremonial parade, and a one-day interactive session with management of the service and staff, among others.