Taraba Immigration Targets Unmanned Borders With Technology

To strengthen border security and check the movement of undocumented migrants, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has deployed an electronic border surveillance system across parts of Taraba State

NIS has also installed nine surveillance cameras to monitor cross-border movements and address security challenges in unmanned border areas.

The cameras are being deployed as part of the third phase of the federal government’s e-border surveillance project, which uses technology to monitor border activities in areas without permanent immigration personnel.

The controller of Immigration in Taraba State, Mrs Saratu Ibrahim, stated this during a familiarisation visit by the management of Radio Nigeria GIFT-FM to the command in Jalingo.
Ibrahim said the first and second phases of the project had been completed, while work on the third phase was ongoing to expand surveillance coverage to more locations across the state.

She explained that the initial phases involved establishing electronic surveillance control rooms at strategic locations, including a mega-site at the command headquarters in Jalingo, a medium-site at the Gembu Area Office, and mini-sites in Morofi and Sardauna local government areas.

According to the State NIS Boss, the e-border infrastructure currently covers Sardauna, Kurmi and Takum local government areas, with additional locations being considered for surveillance as the project progresses.

She said the cameras would enable immigration officers to monitor activities in remote, unmanned areas from designated control rooms, thereby improving the service’s capacity to identify suspicious activity and respond to potential security threats.

The immigration official noted that the initiative, introduced by the Federal Government through the NIS in 2024, was part of broader efforts to address security challenges associated with inadequately monitored borders.

On internal migration control, Mrs Ibrahim said the service had officers deployed across the 16 local government areas to monitor visitors, document foreign nationals and track the movement of migrants residing in the state.

She further explained that proper documentation of foreign residents and visitors was essential to effective migration management, particularly in identifying individuals whose activities could pose security concerns.

Mrs Ibrahim added that the service was working closely with other security agencies in the state, saying inter-agency collaboration remained vital to tackling security threats and protecting lives and property.

She also welcomed the proposed partnership with Radio Nigeria GIFT-FM, saying the media could help publicise the Immigration Service’s activities, subject to approval from its headquarters.

Earlier, the General Manager of Radio Nigeria GIFT-FM, Navy Commander Emmanuel Jimmy Elisha (rtd.), said the visit aimed to establish a stronger working relationship with the Immigration Command and to promote public understanding of its responsibilities.

Elisha said the station had introduced a programme, Taraba Security Update, to showcase the operations and contributions of security agencies in the state.

He explained that the programme covers the activities of the Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, the military, the Department of State Services, and the police, among other security formations.

According to him, the initiative provides an avenue for security agencies to inform the public about their operations, achievements and contributions to peace and development.

The general manager said the station had the technical capacity to cover all 16 local government areas of Taraba State, adding that the proposed collaboration would enable the Command to communicate its activities more effectively to residents.

He, however, emphasised the need for responsible journalism in reporting security matters, noting that information capable of compromising national security required careful handling.