How NIS Seized 6,000 PVCs, National Identify Cards From Illegal Immigrants

The Nigeria Immigration Service has given an account of how it seized 6,000 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) from illegal immigrants in 21 border states.

The states included Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Edo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara,

The Acting Comptroller-General of the NIS, Isa Idris, told participants at a retreat at the service’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, that 3,823 National Identity cards were also seized from the illegal immigrants, in the course of an ongoing operation to keep illegal immigrants from voting in the Nigeria’s upcoming elections.

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The illegal immigrants majorly hailed from West African countries, the NIS boss said, adding that that they had been deported in line with the protocol of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“We all know that we are heading towards elections and the only means you can vote is through the voter card. And you can only register for a voter card if you have a national ID card.

“So some non-Nigerians who hold this document may display it at the polling unit and vote. But with our men on the ground and our experiences, that will not happen.

“All the comptrollers shall be held liable for any lapse or partisanship in any personnel under their watch. You are hereby charged to reorient officers and men to exhibit a high sense of professionalism.

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“This is why we resolved to hold Comptrollers responsible for any failure recorded by their men,” he said.

According to him, the latest haul has made it necessary for the increased surveillance nationwide.

The NIS boss therefore directed Divisional Immigration Officers across 774 local government areas to relate more with migrant communities as a way of checkmating the illegal immigrants infiltrating the county and possibly voting in the elections.