241 illegal immigrants arrested, deported from Plateau

By Agabus Pwanagba on September 1, 2013

The Plateau State Government said over 241 illegal immigrants were arrested this week in the State following a house to house search carried out by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Special Task Force (STF) in the State.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Yiljap Abraham disclosed this on Saturday, while briefing Journalists at the Jos press centre.

He lamented that, the activities of the immigrants were of no economic importance to the State.

According to him, “As a result of certain operations that have been handle by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) with the security agencies in Plateau State, we have been able to pick up about 241 illegal aliens from Plateau state. I want to let you know that this is an ongoing operation. The security council was briefed by the immigration
authority on the kind of challenges that face us.

Adding that, “Our appeal to the people of Plateau State is that they should watch out for those who are their neighbours because we have people who are on the run from their own country, finding their ways into Nigeria and into the peaceful Plateau, waiting for any opportunity that can lead to violence”

He maintained that, the immigrants who mostly were from Chad, Niger and neighbouring African Countries do not have their passports, saying they will be deported to their countries.

He Stressed that, the State Government had during the prevailing security challenges in the State, arrested foreigners with dangerous weapons, decrying that, their story was never believed.

The State image maker, Yiljap advised the citizenry to always be at alert, saying there are people who do not mean well for the State.

“The security agencies together with the Plateau State Government will continue to take whatever step necessary to make Plateau safe” he said.

Yiljap condemned reports on the recent attack in the State which claimed innocent lives and refuted claims that the attacked was
in connection with the Special Convention of the Ruling People’s Democratic Party in Abuja.

The Government spokesman further stated that, the attacked was neither ethnic nor religious but was a case of armed robbery attacked which valuables belonging to the victims were stolen.

The deceased persons were from a cattle Market in Bukuru where they went to sell when they were ambushed. Five of them were killed and four injured.

He also confirmed that there was an incident of cattle rustling in Jos East Local Government Area of the State, but with the prompt
intervention of security agencies and vigilante groups in the area, the cattle were recovered.