According to a news report from Voice of Nigeria, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Kwara State has expressed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with journalists to enhance media coverage of issues related to the nation's territorial security.

During a courtesy visit by the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the State Comptroller of NIS, Mrs Iyabode Olawunmi Okuwa-Idris, emphasised the service's dedication to working closely with the media.

Mrs Okuwa-Idris described the visit as a first since her appointment and reaffirmed the importance of keeping the public informed about NIS activities. She acknowledged the critical role journalists play in advancing the operations of the service and ensuring public awareness.

The Assistant Comptroller of Immigration for Border Operations, Francis Jonah Udo, praised the professionalism of journalists in Kwara State, noting that they have maintained high standards in their reporting with no negative stories about the state command.

Udo also acknowledged the significant challenges faced by NIS officers in securing the nation’s borders, particularly in some communities in Kaiama and Baruten local government areas of the state.

He called on the government to address these challenges to ensure better border security. The Assistant Comptroller of Immigration in charge of Anti-Smuggling Operations, Olumayowa Kabir Aliyu, expressed concern about the increasing number of youths leaving the country through unauthorized and dangerous routes in search of greener pastures.

Aliyu noted that while the NIS does not prevent citizens from traveling, it insists that all travel must be done legally and through approved channels.

He urged the NUJ to play a vital role in educating young people about the dangers of illegal migration, particularly through perilous routes like the Mediterranean.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of the NUJ, Ahmed Lanre Abdullateef, commended the NIS for its efforts to reduce the number of illegal immigrants in the state and for its role in safeguarding the country’s territory.

He emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between the NIS and the media, noting that such collaboration is crucial for keeping the public informed about the agency’s activities.

Abdullateef encouraged the NIS to utilize NUJ platforms including electronic media, to further educate and sensitize the public about its operations and the importance of legal migration processes.