The Federal Government has increased security at all borders across Nigeria ahead of planned nationwide protests against bad governance.
The Comptroller General of the Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, has ordered all Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers, and Divisional Immigration Officers to ensure heightened vigilance.
The Service Spokesman, DCI Kenneth Udo, explained that the new measures aim to prevent foreign elements from entering the country to join the protests. “The directive is to ensure that no foreign individuals come into the country to participate in or disrupt the protests,” Udo said.
The statement from the Immigration Service added, “The Comptroller General has instructed officers, especially those in charge of border commands, to be extra vigilant and intensify surveillance. We must ensure that no foreign elements take advantage of the protests to destabilize the country.”
In response to the situation, Nandap has also ordered the temporary suspension of all leave applications for immigration officers. “Officers are charged to exercise the highest level of professionalism and patriotism in their duties during and after the protests,” she said.
The Comptroller General reassured Nigerians of the service’s readiness to protect the nation’s borders and enhance national security. “Nigeria is the only country we have, and we must safeguard it,” Nandap added.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military has warned that it will intervene to stop any violence that may occur.
The Defence Headquarters has stated that the protests are intended to replicate the recent unrest seen in Kenya, where peaceful rallies against tax hikes descended into deadly violence.
