In response to reports of the emergence of a new terror group known as Lakurawa operating along the Nigeria-Niger Republic border, security agencies have ramped up operations, particularly in the Sokoto region.
Officials from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have reassured the public that there is no immediate threat, emphasizing that proactive measures are in place to prevent illegal migration into the country.
A senior NIS official confirmed that the agency, in collaboration with other security forces, is closely monitoring the situation and taking action to address any developments at the borders.
“Since the alert regarding the presence of this new terror group in the Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states areas, we have increased our efforts.
The NIS, along with other agencies, is working together to verify the claims and monitor the situation,” the NIS officer explained.
At the NIS headquarters in Abuja, it was also reported that the recent deployment of the President Bola Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC) has enhanced the agency’s ability to secure the country’s land borders.
The BATTIC, equipped with cutting-edge surveillance and monitoring technology, enables the NIS to track border activities and manage migration data more effectively.
During the commissioning of BATTIC, the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, highlighted the complex’s role in supporting real-time video surveillance, particularly in remote and unmanned border areas.
She noted that BATTIC’s integrated communication platform would facilitate seamless coordination across various levels of border control and provide a vital link between Border Patrol Units, State Commands, and the Ministry of Interior.
“The technology will cross-reference data with national and international security databases, including INTERPOL, ensuring that no security threats go undetected,” Mrs. Nandap stated.
“BATTIC will serve as the central hub for our digital infrastructure, significantly enhancing our border management and national security capabilities,” she continued.
The NIS official in Abuja confirmed that the launch of the complex marks a new era for the agency, providing advanced tools to fulfill its mandate in border security and migration management.