The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has repatriated 62 nationals of the Republic of Mali who were found to be residing in the country without proper documentation. The return of the migrants took place through the Illela Border Control Post in Sokoto State.
The Controller of the Illela Border Command, Mr. Tony Akuneme, confirmed the development in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja. According to him, the group comprised 51 men and 11 women.
The repatriation exercise is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to reduce irregular migration and strengthen national security at the country’s borders.
Mr. Akuneme explained that the Malian nationals were escorted by a team of eight immigration officers from the NIS headquarters in Abuja to Sokoto State. The operation was led by Inspector Mamoud Sadiq, and the group traveled in two buses.
The team arrived at the Illela Border Control Post at around 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19.
Upon their arrival, the migrants were received by immigration officials at the border, and their identities were carefully documented.
“I directed the Assistant Controller in charge of Human Resources, Adamu Mshelia, who also doubles as the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Smuggling Unit (ANTISOM), to oversee the proper documentation of the repatriated individuals,” Akuneme stated.
Following standard procedures, the migrants were escorted across the border to Birnin Konni, a town in the Republic of Mali located near the Nigerian border.
There, Malian authorities, including the area’s police chief known as the Commissaire, received the migrants after conducting another round of screening and documentation.
The smooth handover marked the successful completion of the repatriation process.
This repatriation is part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Immigration Service and the federal government to curb irregular and illegal migration across the country’s borders. Nigeria, being a regional transit point and destination, often sees the movement of people across its land borders, many of whom may lack proper entry documents.
Irregular migration is a significant concern in West Africa, often linked to human trafficking, smuggling, and cross-border criminal activities. The Nigerian authorities, in collaboration with neighbouring countries and international partners, have been working to strengthen border security and discourage illegal entry and exit.
Under international migration agreements, countries have the right to return individuals who enter or remain in their territory without proper legal status.
In a related development, Controller Akuneme announced that construction is ongoing at the Illela Control Post to improve operational capacity and border surveillance.
The project includes the building of both mega and mini Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), designed to house officers and enhance their ability to monitor illegal activities in border communities.
According to Akuneme, the construction is being carried out under the directive of the NIS Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, who has prioritized border security since assuming office.
“The construction company has already begun land clearance and the demolition of some old and unserviceable buildings,” he said.
He noted that the new FOBs would provide better facilities for officers working at the border and serve as part of a long-term strategy to curb illegal migration and other cross-border crimes.
The NIS controller also reassured the public that the security situation in the Illela and Tangaza areas of Sokoto State remains stable. These areas have faced occasional security threats, especially from bandit groups operating in remote border communities.
Akuneme acknowledged the presence of military and other security agencies working alongside immigration officers to ensure peace and protect lives and property.
He specifically mentioned the ongoing threat posed by a group of armed criminals known locally as the Lakurawa bandits, who have been linked to attacks in border areas. However, he assured that security forces are actively working to prevent further violence.
“We appreciate the support of the military and other security partners who continue to collaborate with us in safeguarding our borders,” he said.
The Nigeria Immigration Service plays a critical role in national security by regulating the movement of people into and out of the country. Through its various border posts, the NIS monitors human traffic, issues travel documents, and intercepts individuals who may pose security risks.
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap, the service has intensified efforts to address illegal migration, with a focus on professionalism, use of technology, and improved infrastructure.
The agency has also increased its collaboration with international bodies such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to implement safer migration policies and tackle human smuggling networks.
As irregular migration remains a shared challenge among West African countries, experts have called for stronger cooperation between nations in the region. They stress the need for intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and consistent border management policies.
While repatriation exercises like this one are necessary, migration analysts suggest that long-term solutions should also address the root causes of irregular migration, such as poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and lack of opportunities.
