Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) as part of efforts to enhance security, improve border management, and combat illegal migration across the state.
The Governor made the commitment on Thursday while receiving the Plateau State Comptroller of the NIS, CIS Mary U. Abang, during a courtesy visit at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.
Governor Mutfwang described the Immigration Service as a critical institution in protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, noting that effective migration management is essential in addressing emerging security challenges, combating transnational crimes, and safeguarding lives and property.
He assured the Service of the Plateau State Government’s continued support in identifying and monitoring undocumented foreign nationals while ensuring lawful migrants comply with Nigeria’s immigration regulations.
The Governor also emphasized the need for stronger intelligence sharing between the state government and the Immigration Service, urging officers across the 17 local government areas to remain vigilant and work closely with other security agencies to tackle irregular migration and related security threats.
In her remarks, Plateau State Comptroller of the NIS, CIS Mary U. Abang, commended Governor Mutfwang for his consistent support for security agencies, noting that the command has intensified intelligence-led operations, including the profiling, arrest, and repatriation of illegal foreign nationals.
She appealed for additional logistics, including a permanent command headquarters, operational vehicles, and motorcycles to improve surveillance in remote communities and mining sites where undocumented migrants are frequently encountered.
Comptroller Abang disclosed that the command had uncovered several cases of foreign nationals, including some Chinese nationals, who entered Nigeria on temporary work permits valid for only 30 days but remained in the country illegally for over a year after expired.
The meeting concluded with both the Plateau State Government and the Nigerian Immigration Service reaffirming their commitment to strengthening intelligence-driven security operations, promoting lawful migration, combating illegal immigration, and protecting the territorial integrity of Plateau State.
