By Abiola Olawale
Ahead of the planned nationwide protests, the Federal Government has instructed all Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers and their personnel to safeguard the nation’s borders.
The Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, issued this directive in a circular signed by the Service Spokesman, DCI Kenneth Udo.
In the circular, Nandap urged all Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers, and Divisional Immigration Officers (DIOS) of the Service to secure borders to block any foreign mercenaries that might attempt to hijack the protest slated for August 1.
The Comptroller General also urged all the service personnel to be extra vigilant and intensify surveillance given the planned nationwide protest by some groups.
The circular reads in part: “The Comptroller General noted that, in keeping with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s gateways placed on the shoulders of the Service, officers, especially Heads of Border Commands, are tasked to rise to the occasion by ensuring that no foreign element can take advantage of the protest destabilize the country.
“She directs temporary suspension of all leave applications and charges officers to exercise utmost professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their duties. During and after the protest, explaining that Nigeria is the only country we have as our own.
“The CGIS assures all Nigerians of the service’s preparedness to safeguard the nation’s borders towards enhancing national security.”
This development comes amid calls for nationwide protest which has been gaining momentum on social media.
Several Nigerians have expressed their willingness to hit the streets in protest over the high cost of living in Nigeria.
However, President Bola Tinubu has called on the organisers to be patient with his government as it works to address Nigeria’s challenges, assuring that reforms by his administration will pay off in the long run
