The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is canvassing for stronger border system to stem the menace of kidnappings and cross border crime in the country.
Reacting to the allegation that the kidnappings were carried out by foreigners, Mr. Muhammad Babandede, Comptroller-General of the NIS, said in Abuja on Sunday that kidnappings were not carried out majorly by foreigners.
“The number of foreigners is small when compared to Nigerians. The percentage does not show that the majority of kidnappings are done by foreigners. There are a lot of Nigerian criminals and criminal groups. We should not transfer our crime to another territory. It is our problem.
“There are no kidnappings carried out in the bush (borders). Even when they kidnap, they will come and enjoy the food in the city. They will transfer their money to banks. They will like to drive good cars; the whole idea of kidnapping is the interest of money.
“So we should look at other sectors than looking at foreigners,” he said.
The Comptroller-General, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the approval of e-border for the service to tackle trans-border crimes.
According to him, the NIS now has approval to run 88 border stations to see what is happening in real time online and that there is also technological support for immigration to tackle border crimes in real time online.
He further said that the ongoing construction of NIS N7 billion technology building would help put all records into one pool that would be needful to other law enforcement agencies.
MM/GIK/APA