We Won’t Let You Vote, NIS Warns 300 Arrested Immigrants

We won’t let you vote in Nigeria’s general elections, is the warning to 303 irregular arrested immigrants, just paraded by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

The arrest of the immigrants followed a mop-up operation in Uyo metropolis carried out by the service.

The Comptroller of Immigration Service in Akwa Ibom Command, Mrs Francisca Dakatt told journalists that 285 of those arrested were adult while 18 were minors.

According to her, the mop up exercise was in pursuit of the efforts to stop non Nigerians seeking to participate in the upcoming elections.

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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.

“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 said.

The immigration boss also warned other nationals to ensure they had valid travel documents to free them from trouble, especially as the elections inch closer.

She said non Nigerians seeking to participate directly or indirectly in the elections would be dealt with.

The Eagle reports that those who qualify for a temporary Work Permit Visa / Entry Permit in Nigeria, include experts invited by corporate bodies to provide specialized skilled services, such as after sales installation , maintenance, repairs of machines & equipment

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File photo of illegal immigrants in Nigeria

However, the applicant is expected to show evidence of Confirmed Airline Return ticket, acceptance of IR (Immigration Responsibility) by inviting organisations or individual.

This is obtainable only from the office of the Comptroller General of Immigration in the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja.

Where the arrested immigrants may not understand the procedure, they are at liberty to seek the services of an immigration lawyer.

These are available at different locations not only in Abuja, but other commercial services in the country.