The Nigeria Immigration Service in Cross River State has apprehended nine Cameroonians and four Nigerians for unlawfully entering the country via the waterways and violating the Federal Government’s “stay home order” to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Confirming the incident, the Comptroller of immigration in the state, Okey Ezugwu, revealed that the arrests were made during a routine border patrol at Mfum Border in Etung and Ikang Border Post in Bakassi Local Government Areas.
While eight of the Cameroonians were apprehended at the Mfum Border in Etung, one was caught at Ikang Border along with four Nigerians.
Ezugwu mentioned that the NIS had to conduct a “show of force” within Calabar metropolis to prevent any foreigners or Nigerians from entering or leaving the country at the moment.
“Before this kind of movement can take place, there must have been connivance, especially with the local communities,” he explained.
He urged border communities to support NIS in policing the borders, emphasizing that whatever affects one Nigerian at this period impacts the entire country.
Ezugwu also stated his intention to address the matter with the traditional ruler of Ajarsor in Mfum Border to ensure that such a route is not utilized again for illegal immigration.