***Urges Immigration Service to Intensify Enforcement
From Minna
The Niger State House of Assembly has expressed deep concern over what it described as the unchecked influx of illegal immigrants involved in illicit mining activities across the state—a development lawmakers say is worsening insecurity in many local government areas.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, issued the warning on Tuesday when the Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Zone D, Anthony Emeka Chikezie, paid a courtesy visit to the Assembly complex. Zone D oversees Niger, Kwara, Kebbi and the Federal Capital Territory.
Sarkindaji stressed that many of the illegal miners operating in the state are migrants from neighbouring West African countries who enter without proper documentation or monitoring by the Immigration Service. He argued that the failure to stem this inflow has contributed significantly to the rise in banditry and other security breaches across Niger State.
“The state is facing serious security challenges, and the influx of these immigrants engaged in illicit mining is not helping matters,” the Speaker said. “Immigration is lagging behind in checking these illegal entries. We need to redouble our efforts to stop their influx, as this will help address some of the security challenges confronting us.”
He assured the visiting delegation that the Assembly would look into the operational constraints hindering the performance of the Immigration Service and would work with the executive arm to explore ways of supporting the agency.
“For Immigration to function effectively, it requires the backing of the state government,” he said. “Plans are already underway to provide logistics support to security agencies in the state, and the Immigration Service will also be captured.”
Earlier, ACG Chikezie, who led a team of senior officers, presented a list of challenges affecting the command’s operations. These include shortage of operational vehicles and motorcycles, inadequate office furniture, and the poor condition of their office building. He appealed to the state legislature for assistance to enable the service effectively police the state’s borders and entry points.
The meeting comes amid heightened concerns that illegal mining—fueled by foreign and undocumented migrants—has become a major driver of insecurity, with communities in the state increasingly coming under attack by criminal elements exploiting the unregulated mining corridors.
The Speaker’s charge signals a renewed push for stricter border monitoring as Niger State intensifies efforts to restore security and protect its natural resources.