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Immigration intercepts 6,216 voter cards, identity cards, others from foreigners

By Odita Sunday and Tina Abeku, Abuja
09 February 2023   |   3:43 am
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), yesterday, announced that it confiscated 6,216 identity documents, including Nigerian voter cards and National Identity Cards.

Isah Idris

• PSC vows to hold police accountable, monitor conduct in 774 councils
• Air Force boss tasks personnel on neutrality during election

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), yesterday, announced that it confiscated 6,216 identity documents, including Nigerian voter cards and National Identity Cards.

NIS Comptroller General, Isah Idris, made this known in Abuja, during a one-day retreat for all state Comptrollers, preparatory to a smooth conduct of the general election.

He said the cards were intercepted across 21 states, especially border states, following surveillance by NIS officers.

While showcasing the confiscated documents, Idris said NIS has reached out to National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), asking it to expunge details of the imposters from its data bank, to prevent renewal of the cards. He said NIS has introduced surveillance that deploys technology to monitor activities at the borders.

“This period calls for the highest level of security awareness among all personnel and any acts of compromise shall be treated as sabotage against our national security,” he added.

This came as the Police Service Commission (PSC) said it would deploy staff monitors to the 774 local councils of the country to oversee the conduct of police officers on election duties during the general elections holding Saturday, February 25 and March 11, 2023.

A statement by PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, noted: “The Commission will monitor the conduct of these officers to ensure they operate within defined rules of engagement prescribed for officers on election duties.

“The Commission believes that the success or not of the 2023 general elections largely depends on how effective and efficient the police, the lead agency in internal security are, and to maximise the benefits of inter-agency collaboration with sister security agencies.

“Guidelines on police conduct during the elections will soon be released by the Commission, to guide policemen who will be involved in election security.

“The Commission will also release dedicated telephone numbers where Nigerians will be required to call to complain or commend police officers during the elections.

“Police officers found negligent or involved in official misconduct would be disciplined, in line with provisions of the law. Police officers are advised to restrict themselves to providing security during the elections and should not engage in serving as conductors for vote buying or other misconducts.

“The Commission will continue to hold the police accountable for its conduct or misconduct during the elections as its contribution to deepening the nation’s democracy.”

ALSO, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, charged personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to remain apolitical throughout the elections.

The CAS stated this during his meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Commandants and units Commanders, held at NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

Amao urged the commanders to sensitise NAF personnel on the Code of Conduct for the Armed Forces during elections. He said: “NAF personnel are expected to work in synergy with other security agencies within their respective areas of responsibilities to ensure peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections.”

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