Metro
Nigerian Immigration Partners NAPTIP, IOM, Others on Capacity Building
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has held a one-day senior management meeting with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), development partners, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and Port Health Services as part of efforts to flag off the second phase of NIS Training Strategy Implementation Programme (TSI).
A statement signed by the Service’s Public Relations Officer Mr Amos Okpu, and made available to National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), stated that the Training Strategy Implementation programme is one of the IOM supported capacity building activities targeted at border and migration management agencies in Nigeria. It is aimed at improving the knowledge and operational capacities of our Personnel and those of other relevant agencies including NAPTIP and Port Health Officials in managing the unfolding migratory realities.
The first phase of the programme implementation which spanned the period of 2017-2019 afforded participating agencies the opportunity to deepen interagency collaboration, understanding and synergy in contending with the issues of migrant smuggling and trafficking. It was during the period that IOM in collaboration with the Service established seven Personnel Training Resource Centres (PTRCs) in locations across the country such as the Service Headquarters in Abuja, Kano, Cross River, Lagos, Kebbi, Ondo and Anambra States. The PTRCs locations are online-based study facilities that have allowed some of our Personnel the opportunity to upscale their skills on modern Border security efforts and migration management. A total of 2606 Personnel of the Service and 190 Officials from NAPTIP have so far benefitted from training interventions at the Centres. Meanwhile, the government of Netherlands has indicated interests to support the second phase of the Training Strategy Implementation programme for the period 2021-2023. Activities for the period shall include upgrade of the existing training curriculum/trainer’s guide and learning management system.
Speaking at the event, the acting Comptroller General, Isah Jere Idris, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General in-charge of Visa and Residency Directorate, Ishaka Abdulmumini Haliru, described the PTRCs and interventions from the IOM as essential catalysts for skills upgrades for Officers and Men as well as an avenue for interagency collaboration and partnership among frontline agencies like the NIS, NAPTIP and the Department of Port Health Services. “The opportunity provided by the joint training efforts from IOM has been of tremendous help in building and sustaining the much needed synergy between the two agencies charged with migrants smuggling and trafficking in persons in Nigeria”, he continued. He further tasked Command Comptrollers to add value to the Personnel Training Centres by way of instituting sound maintenance culture to preserve the existing infrastructure and learning materials across the Centres.
In her remarks, the Director General of NAPTIP, Dr. Fatima Waziri-Azi, stated that IOM has consistently supported programmes that enhance capacity of frontline operatives. She called on respective agencies to leverage on the contributions of donor agencies and improve on what has been put in place in their organizations. She further called on both NIS and NAPTIP to continue complementing each other in the fight against migrant smuggling and trafficking.
In his contribution, , the Director Port Health Services, Dr. Geoffrey Okatubo said Border Health Security has in recent times become more crucial especially with the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic and now the emergence of Monkey pox. He praised the current robust synergy between his agency and the Service and stressed that more collaborative efforts from all critical partners have become imperative healthy relationships for enhanced service delivery to the people.
Earlier, the representative of the government of the Netherlands Eva De Wit stated that the second phase of the programme shall aim at strengthening joint capacity building efforts for border agencies as well as upscale curriculum development efforts for enhanced learning. The Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria Prestage Murina called on the different the agencies to institutionalize training and retraining as a way of improving the capacity of the officials involved in border management. She added that plans are underway to establish four additional PTRCs in other Formations in the Service. The Personnel Training and R@esource Center (PTRC), is a collaborative effort between the NIS, IOM, governments of Germany and Netherlands.
A major highlight of the event was the launching of some publications on gender mainstreaming, roadmap/action plan for programme continuation and the updated strategy text.
In his efforts to further enhance inter-agency cooperation and bolster security collaboration towards combating crimes and emerging threats, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Moshood Jimoh, has played host to Comptroller of Customs, Muritala Muhammed Airport Command (MMAC), Comptroller Toyin Awe, and his counterpart from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Comptroller D. O. Adebambo of the Lagos Command.
The two officers in their separate courtesy visits to the Lagos CP held at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters, focused on strengthening inter-agency cooperation, particularly in tackling the growing challenge of insecurity in the country, with special emphasis to Lagos State.
During the visit, Immigration’s Adebambo, who arrived first highlighted the NIS’s efforts in managing migration and border control, introducing the e-border system, which features camera installations and control centers to monitor and respond to irregular migration. He also mentioned the BATIC, a technology innovation center that enables real-time supervision of border areas and airports.
Adebambo also emphasizing the importance of cooperation and synergy between the NIS and the police in ensuring the security and safety of Lagos State, noting the NIS’s efforts in documenting and expunging irregular migrants, as well as its initiatives to facilitate foreign direct investment and employment opportunities for Nigerian youth.
In his response, CP Jimoh acknowledged the existing cordial relationship between the two agencies, and assured Adebambo of his commitment to strengthening their cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing and joint operations.
On his part, Comptroller Awe of the Customs, emphasized the crucial role of synergy between security agencies, citing recent seizures of illegal military accoutrements at the airport. These included arms and ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and drones, which were intercepted due to the vigilance of customs officers conducting 100% cargo examinations.
The Comptroller noted that intelligence-led operations have been instrumental in identifying and intercepting illicit shipments, many of which originate from Turkey. She revealed that those involved in the illegal imports had been prosecuted and imprisoned.
“We cannot do it all alone. The synergy between security agencies must continue, especially now that insecurity has become a major concern. Within my command at Muritala Muhammed Airport, we recently seized several military-grade items, including arms, ammunition, and drones. These seizures were possible because of the eagle-eyed vigilance of my officers and our strict adherence to 100% cargo examination protocols,” Comptroller Awe stated.
He further highlighted the deep historical ties between the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, stressing the need for continuous cooperation. “We all know that aside from the military, most security agencies, including the police, serve as the foundation for other law enforcement bodies. For instance, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) originated from the Nigeria Customs Service. This shows that our responsibilities are interconnected, and our collaboration is essential for national security,” she explained.
CP Jimoh, in response, further reiterated the importance of security agencies working together to support the Federal Government’s economic policies, including the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and other business-friendly initiatives. He assured that the Lagos State Police Command remains committed to ensuring a safe environment for business operations while also prioritizing national security.
“At this level, we do not have issues with cooperation. Our responsibility is to ensure that our officers at all levels align with this vision and understand the importance of collaboration. Lagos, as a center of excellence, demands nothing less than excellent performance from all security agencies. Our role is to protect government investments and ensure that the state and federal governments achieve their desired objectives,” he added.
All the agencies reaffirmed their commitment to intelligence sharing, joint operations, and continuous engagement to address security challenges effectively.
The visits marked a significant step towards enhancing collaboration and cooperation between the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Police Force, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the security and prosperity of Lagos State and the nation at large.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, his first since assuming office, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
CP Jimoh, who was accompanied by a Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan among others, expressed gratitude while highlighting some of his plans to uphold security in Lagos.
Responding, Gov. Sanwo-Olu hailed the new CP for stepping effectively and seamlessly into the Lagos no. 1 policing job, and urged him to continue in that exceptional drive while assuring that his innovative ideas will be given due attention.
On his part, Dr. Ogunsan praised CP Jimoh for his drive, diligence, and dexterity since assuming duty as Lagos CP. He was emphatic about the grace and candor which which he assumed the job, especially given the circumstance that necessitated his appointment. Ogunsan was very optimistic that the new CP will enjoy tremendous support of Lagos State, noting that since “you have involved my expertise and experience in engaging with the intricacies of the development of the ideas, the planning, and subsequent execution; you have my word, I will put my energy behind you. God bless you on this new journey which is a significant one for your trajectory as a Police officer in the Nigeria Police Force.”
CP Moshood Jimoh, who was appointed in February, is the 41st Commissioner of the Lagos Police Command.
AIG Margaret Ochalla Agebe, on Monday, formally assumed office as the 54th Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, according to a statement by the FCID Public Relations Officer, ASP Mayegun Aminat, and made available to pointblank.ng
Her appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter in the leadership of the department, following the retirement of the esteemed AIG Augustina N. Ogbodo (rtd), who concluded a distinguished and exemplary career in the Nigeria Police Force.
A native of Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State, AIG Margaret Ochalla Agebe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Conflict Resolution and Refugee Management and a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies. Her robust educational background, combined with her extensive professional experience, underscores her readiness to lead FCID Annex Lagos in addressing the contemporary challenges of criminal intelligence and investigation.
Throughout her distinguished career, AIG Agebe has held several pivotal positions within the Nigeria Police Force, each contributing to her exemplary leadership profile. She has served as the Personal Assistant to four Commissioners of Police in Anambra, Officer In-Charge of the Monitoring Unit in Anambra, Team Leader of the IGP Monitoring Unit, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) at the Force Gender Unit, and Advisor to the Inspector General on Gender Issues. She also served as Commissioner of Police at the Anti-Fraud Unit in the Force CID, Abuja, and Commissioner of Police at the Special Fraud Unit in Lagos. Her exceptional work at the Special Fraud Unit paved the way for her elevation to Assistant Inspector General of Police at the Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, where she made a significant impact through her visionary leadership and strategic initiatives. AIG Agebe’s contributions were instrumental in the establishment of specialized units and frameworks that significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force.
AIG Agebe is widely recognized for her relentless commitment to professional development and operational excellence. She has attended numerous specialized courses and training programs, gaining invaluable expertise in law enforcement, which she has applied throughout her career across various commands and formations nationwide.
Her leadership and service have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Global Women Hall of Fame (2017), the Africa Women Leadership Award presented in South Africa by His Excellency John Mahama, President of Ghana, the National Security Award for Excellent Performance and Exemplary Leadership by the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senate Committee on Police Affairs, the Improving Access to Justice Award presented by former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and the Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Nigeria Police Award. Additionally, AIG Agebe has received the Season Corps Award for Competent Governance and Civil Trust, the Distinguished Global Amazon Award in Kigali, Rwanda, and the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award of Excellence (2023). She was also honored with the International Security Service Award by ISO-SEC Switzerland and HSIIS United Kingdom (2024), the National Crimewatch Lifetime Achievement Award (2024), the Award of Excellence by the Yache Community Development Association, and the Outstanding Female Humanitarian of the Year Award. AIG Agebe’s unwavering dedication to advancing the efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force, with a particular focus on combating gender-based violence, fraud, and other criminal activities, demonstrates her deep commitment to justice, human rights, and national security.
In her new role, AIG Agebe calls on well-meaning citizens to support the Police in the fight against crime, promote justice, and strengthen national security. She remains steadfast in her mission to enhance the operational effectiveness of the FCID, ensuring public safety, upholding the integrity of the Police Force, and continuing her strong stance against corruption as envisioned by the Inspector General of Police.
