Abayomi Susan
• NIS Repatriates 128 Irregular Migrants in Two Weeks
As Nigeria’s commercial capital and West Africa’s foremost economic hub, Lagos receives thousands of visitors and migrants daily, making effective border control and migration management essential to the state’s overall security framework. Ensuring the safety of residents requires robust collaboration among security agencies to monitor migration, prevent irregular movements, and respond swiftly to emerging threats.
In line with this objective, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), under the leadership of its Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has continued to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies responsible for safeguarding the state.
As part of this commitment, the LSSTF on Tuesday, July 14, presented a 28-seater coaster bus and 60 raincoat jackets to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command. The donation is aimed at enhancing the Command’s operational mobility, improving personnel welfare, and reinforcing border security operations across the state.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Dr. Ogunsan commended the Nigerian Immigration Service for its dedication to maintaining effective migration management and securing Lagos against illegal entry and other security threats.
He described the Service as a critical partner in the state’s security architecture, assuring the Command of the Fund’s continued support.
“I want to sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Command, for its commitment to keeping Lagos safe. Every agency working tirelessly to protect our state will always find a dependable partner in the Lagos State Security Trust Fund,” he said.
According to him, the donation reflects the Fund’s confidence in the professionalism and commitment of the Immigration Service.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. Your determination to strengthen security through enhanced migration management is commendable, and we will continue to support your operations in every way possible,” Ogunsan added.
The LSSTF boss attributed the intervention to the security vision of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, while also acknowledging the continued support of the Fund’s donors, Board of Trustees, and Lagos residents whose contributions have sustained various security initiatives across the state.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering commitment to security, as well as our donors, Board of Trustees and Lagosians whose support has enabled the LSSTF to continue providing critical interventions to security agencies,” he stated.
He also conveyed the appreciation of the Lagos security community to the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, for her leadership and efforts in strengthening the Nigerian Immigration Service nationwide.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Comptroller General, the Comptroller of Immigration, Lagos State Command, Comptroller Christopher Olu Onajinrin, described the donation as both timely and strategic, noting that it would significantly improve the Command’s operational efficiency.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Tayo Ayinde, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, and Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan for their continued support.
“We sincerely appreciate this generous intervention. These resources will be deployed effectively to strengthen our operations and improve service delivery. As the lead agency responsible for migration and border management, we remain committed to intensifying efforts against irregular migration to ensure the safety and security of Lagos residents,” Onajinrin said.
The Comptroller also disclosed that the Command had recorded significant operational achievements in recent weeks, revealing that it successfully repatriated 128 irregular migrants within the last two weeks.
According to him, the repatriated migrants comprised nationals of Cameroon, Chad and Burkina Faso.
“With the addition of this coaster bus, we will further expand our operations, reduce transportation costs, improve response time and strengthen our migration management responsibilities across Lagos State,” he noted.
He explained that repatriation operations require extensive logistics, particularly transportation, making the newly donated bus a valuable asset that will enhance personnel deployment and enforcement activities.
The donation further reflects the Lagos State Government’s sustained commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture through strategic investments in security institutions. By supporting agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service with critical operational resources, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund continues to reinforce border security, promote lawful migration, and enhance the capacity of security agencies to proactively address emerging threats before they impact public safety.
