The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Akwa Ibom State has apprehended 303 suspected irregular migrants in the Uyo metropolis during its mop up exercise conducted in the state.
Francisca Dakat, the comptroller of immigration service for Akwa Ibom Command, disclosed this while briefing reporters on the results of the mop-up operation in Uyo on Saturday. She said that of the 303 people apprehended, 285 were adults and 18 were minors.
She added that the command had previously conducted an awareness workshop for all non-Nigerians residing in the state and that the clean up exercise was in accordance with service orders that non-Nigerians should not participate in the next general elections.
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Dakat said, “The mop up exercise which took place in Uyo metropolis will be a continuous exercise and will be extended to all the 31 Local Government Areas of the state.
A total of 303 suspected irregular migrants were apprehended at different locations in the state capital.
“The 303 suspected irregular migrants were profiled and 203 were confirmed Nigeriens while 100 were Nigeriens who have since been handed to their community leaders”.
Dakat urged non nationals who are resident in the state and those who visited for business or leisure purposes to ensure that they have valid travel documents to prevent be running foul of immigration extant laws.
She also warned them against participating directly or indirectly in the forthcoming general elections, stressing that culprits will be punished accordingly.
She commended the state government and other security agencies for their support to ensure success of the mop up exercise.
