The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Mr. Muhammad Babandede, has solicited for stronger borders saying it would reduce the rising spate of kidnappings in the country.
Babandede expressed the view on Sunday while speaking with newsmen in Abuja in reaction to the allegation that the kidnappings were being perpetrated by foreigners.
He opined that foreigners were not responsible for the crime.
He said: “The number of foreigners is small when compared to Nigerians. The percentage does not show the majority of kidnappings are done by foreigners.
“There are a lot of Nigerian criminals and criminal groups. We should not transfer our crime to another territory. It is our problem.
“There are no kidnappings carried out in the bush (borders). Even when they kidnap, they will come and enjoy the food in the city.
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“They will transfer their money to banks. They will like to drive good cars; the whole idea of kidnapping is the interest of money.
“So we should look at other sectors than looking at foreigners,” he said..
He used the opportunity to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for the approval of e-border for the service to tackle transborder crimes.
His words: “We now have approval to run 88 border stations where we can see what is happening in real time online.
“There is also technological support for immigration to tackle border crimes in real time online, to add support to the military, customs, among others.”
Babandede further said that the NIS N7 billion technology building which is under construction would help put all records into one pool that would be needful to other law enforcement agencies.
NAN
