Nigerian Operatives Arrest 105 Nigeriens, Togolese, Ghanaians, Others As Illegal Migrants In Bayelsa

Nigerian Operatives Arrest 105 Nigeriens, Togolese, Ghanaians, Others As Illegal Migrants In Bayelsa

No fewer than 105 illegal immigrants have been arrested in various parts of Bayelsa State, the head of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in the state, Comptroller Sunday James, said on Monday.

The Operation, according to the NIS, tagged “Saukan Shaho” meaning the “Eagle has landed” which was sanctioned by the Comptroller-General, Isah Jere Idris, and supported by the state Governor, Douye Diri, led to the arrest of 44 Nigeriens, 35 togolese, 20 Beninese and 6 Ghanaians.

Sunday James, the state NIS Comptroller , while addressing newsmen in his office in Yenagoa, declared that the operations followed the laid down acceptable ECOWAS protocol and United Nation rules of engagement and respect to Human rights.

He said the operation however led to the proper documentations of illegal migrants and migrants in the state with 89 expired travelled documents renewed by the arrested illegal migrants,” the other illegal immigrants have been guaranteed by their home countries of quick documentations. And the data base of the NIS is more robust from the operation.”

He commended Governor Douye Diri for his support and understanding that the operation was in the national interest and not targeted at any individual or tribe. He also explained that the command had to meet with the leaders of the Hausa community in the state to explain the purpose of the operation and not targeted at Nigerians.

He said the command embarked on the operation between the 9th and the 19th of September 2022 and raided major areas identified by intelligence unit including the Arittalin, Swali, Onopa, Azikoro, Okaka, Bayelsa Plam, Ogbogoro, Obele, Otiotio, Famgbe and areas where there were Bureau de Change.

He also expressed concerns over the movement of other illegal migrants escaping to neighbouring states of Delta, Rivers, and Edo and called for similar operations in those states to fish out those who escaped being arrested in Bayelsa.