Immigration seeks police cooperation to tackle human trafficking, verify foreigners in Abia

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in Abia State has called for enhanced cooperation with the state police command to combat human trafficking and monitor foreign nationals residing in or entering the state.

Mrs. Justina Nkechi Owa, the Controller of the NIS Abia State Command, made the appeal on Wednesday during a visit from the Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, at the Immigration Command office in Umuahia.

During the meeting, Owa emphasized the importance of proper documentation, specifically highlighting the use of residence permits, also known as Brown Cards, to verify and regulate the activities of foreigners within Abia State. She reaffirmed the commitment of the immigration service to working closely alongside the police command to bolster local security.

Additionally, Owa promised that the NIS would send officers to participate in an upcoming capacity-building training program being organized by the Abia State Police Command.

Speaking earlier during the visit, CP Afolabi stated that the meeting was aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration to improve security across Abia State. Emphasizing that no agency can successfully operate in isolation, the Commissioner of Police noted that effective security is achieved through close coordination among different security organizations. He also urged the Immigration Service to take part in the police command's forthcoming training initiative.

Why It Matters

Abia State, situated in Nigeria's South-East geopolitical zone, has faced persistent security challenges, making coordinated efforts among federal law enforcement agencies essential for maintaining regional stability. Human trafficking remains a critical issue across Nigeria, which serves as a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking victims. By aligning the border-monitoring capabilities of the Nigerian Immigration Service with the domestic law enforcement reach of the Nigeria Police Force, authorities aim to close operational gaps that criminal networks often exploit.