Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo, has ordered an investigation into alleged extortion and unprofessional acts levelled against personnel of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) operating at the Seme border post.

According to sources, the minister vowed he would wield the big stick on any officer found culpable, even as he insisted that extortion was against ethics of the service.

NIS spokesperson, Aridegbe Adedotun, in a statement, said the minister ordered Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Caroline Adepoju, to immediately set up a panel of inquiry.

He said: “The Minister of Interior is displeased with alleged unprofessional activities at the Seme border, and has directed that immediate action be taken to ensure these are stamped out.

“In compliance with the directive, the CGI has declared that these allegations, if proven true, will be met with severe consequences because they are not reflective of the values and standards upheld by the NIS.

“The CGI expresses dismay at the alleged behaviour and wants to assure the public that immediate steps are being taken to investigate the matter thoroughly.

“The NIS is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service to the nation. In response to these allegations, the NIS is implementing changes at our borders to ensure the smooth passage of migrants without compromising national security.

“The CGI is personally overseeing these changes to address any shortcoming and reinforce a culture of accountability within the service. The NIS acknowledges the importance of public trust and wishes to encourage the general public to report any unprofessional conduct, providing feedback through official platforms.

“The service assures the public that all feedback and complaints will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken to address any misconduct.”

The spokesperson added: “The CGI is confident that, with the continued support of the Minister of Interior and his dedication to fostering a disciplined and effective workforce within the NIS, the service will overcome challenges and strengthen its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and public trust.

“We remain committed to our mandate of ensuring the security of our borders and facilitating the smooth movement of people. We appreciate the cooperation of the public in helping us maintain the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.” (The Guardian)

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