The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has announced plans to join forces with the Nigerian Navy in a strategic partnership aimed at combating criminal activities and acts of terrorism along the country’s international maritime borders.
This initiative was revealed by the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, during an official visit to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft in Apapa, Lagos. She was accompanied by a delegation as part of a larger regional forum on maritime border security, which the NIS co-hosted with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre.
At the event, where she was represented by Deputy Controller Muhammad Umar, the CG clarified that their focus extended beyond just stowaway incidents. The mission, she emphasized, was to tackle a broad spectrum of crimes occurring within Nigeria’s maritime zones.
“Our purpose here aligns with the larger security initiative. It’s not merely about addressing stowaways—it’s a comprehensive effort to tackle terrorism and maritime-related criminal operations at our international borders,” she noted.
Speaking further on the collaborative efforts with the Navy, Umar highlighted the Immigration Service’s commitment to strengthening maritime defense by working hand in hand with naval forces.
“The Nigerian Navy shoulders the critical responsibility of safeguarding our territorial waters. Every ship movement and economic transaction within our maritime corridors involves coordination with various agencies. This collaborative approach is grounded in what we describe as the four Cs,” he explained.
In his remarks, the Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Paul Nimmyel, reinforced the importance of inter-agency collaboration, noting that one of the base’s primary objectives is to eliminate maritime crimes through synergy with other security bodies like the Nigeria Customs Service and the Immigration Service.
He pointed out that the Navy ensures due process when intercepting offenders at sea. “Once we apprehend individuals involved in illegal activities in the maritime zone, we conduct full documentation before transferring them to the appropriate authorities,” Nimmyel stated.
He added that the day’s simulation exercise focused on the recurring problem of stowaways, a challenge often encountered aboard ships navigating Nigerian waters.
