Nigeria Immigration Service sends 62 Mali nationals back to their country

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the repatriation of 62 nationals from the Republic of Mali through the Illela Border Post in Sokoto State.

Tony Akuneme, the Controller of the Illela Border Command, made this announcement in a statement on Sunday, noting that the group consisted of 51 men and 11 women.

According to Akuneme, the returnees were accompanied by a team of eight officers, led by Inspector Mamoud Sadiq, who traveled in two buses from the NIS headquarters in Abuja. The team arrived at the border post around 8:00 PM on Friday.

“Upon their arrival, I directed the Assistant Controller in charge of Human Resources, Adamu Mshelia, who also served as the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Smuggling Unit (ANTISOM), to oversee the proper documentation of the repatriated individuals,” Akuneme explained.

“After completing the necessary procedures, the migrants were handed over to the Niger Republic Police at the Birnin Konni control post,” he continued. “At Birnin Konni, the migrants went through additional screening and documentation before being received by the local police chief, Commisere.”

In addition to the repatriation efforts, Akuneme revealed that the construction of both large and small Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) is underway at the Illela control post. He explained that this upgrade, initiated by NIS Controller-General Kemi Nandap, is part of ongoing efforts to eliminate irregular migration across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“The construction company has begun land clearance and the demolition of old, unserviceable structures,” he said. “We appreciate the CG for this upgrade, which is in line with her determination to curb illegal and prohibited migration across the nation.”

Akuneme also reassured the public that the security situation in both Illela and Tangaza areas remains stable, with military and security forces present to address potential threats from Lakurawa bandits.