The Comptroller of Immigrations, Bauchi State Command, Abubakar Aliyu, has advised migrants in the state to distance themselves from the forthcoming 2027 general elections. In an interview, Aliyu emphasized that as non-Nigerians, they are barred by law from participating in the electoral process, either by voting or being voted for. He stressed that the command's primary function is to ensure non-Nigerians do not participate in the elections.
Comptroller Aliyu revealed that the service has comprehensive records of migrants in the state, with personnel stationed in all local government areas. The command collaborates with resident electoral officers and the resident electoral commissioner to enforce this directive. Aliyu highlighted that Nigeria, as a signatory to the ECOWAS protocol, allows migrants from other West African countries to enter, reside, and establish themselves in the country.
The Comptroller explained that migrants from West African sub-region countries have the right of entry, residence, and establishment in Nigeria due to the ECOWAS protocol. This allows citizens of member states to enter another member state without a visa. As a result, most migrants in Bauchi are from West African countries. Aliyu assured that during the elections, personnel will be stationed at designated places to enforce non-participation of migrants.
Aliyu also emphasized that migrants entering the country without a visa must possess valid travel documents. Those without valid documents are considered irregular or illegal migrants. He explained that this term applies to anyone entering a foreign land without proper documentation, regardless of their country of origin. The Comptroller noted that some offenses committed by migrants may require deportation or repatriation.
According to Aliyu, deportation is handled by the federal government, while repatriation is managed by the command. For instance, if a migrant from Niger is found without valid travel documents, they will be returned to the border and handed over to their country's officials. Aliyu stated that he has been carrying out such actions. However, he noted that Bauchi is not a border town, resulting in a relatively low migrant population.
The Comptroller also discussed the issue of human trafficking, highlighting the effective collaboration between the command and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). This inter-agency cooperation has significantly curtailed the menace of human trafficking. Aliyu expressed satisfaction with the progress made in this area.
In conclusion, Comptroller Aliyu reiterated the importance of migrants respecting Nigeria's laws and electoral process. He warned that any attempts to participate in the elections would be met with enforcement action. The command's efforts aim to maintain peace and order during the 2027 general elections, while also upholding the country's laws and international obligations.
Key points
- Migrants in Bauchi are urged to avoid participating in the 2027 general elections due to their ineligibility.
- The Comptroller of Immigration in Bauchi State emphasized that migrants must possess valid travel documents to avoid being considered irregular or illegal.
- The command collaborates with NAPTIP to combat human trafficking, achieving significant success in curtailing the menace.
