IN anticipation of a nationwide protest scheduled for August, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a temporary suspension of leave applications for its personnel.
The Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nandap, who gave the directive to Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers, and Divisional Immigration Officers, noted the need to intensify border surveillance and ensure the country’s security during the protest period.
According to the statement released on Saturday by the NIS public relations officer, Mr. Kenneth Udo, the agency is mobilizing its resources to prevent potential foreign threats from exploiting the situation.
The CG’s directives reads, “In keeping with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s gateways placed on the shoulders of the Service, officers especially Heads of Border Commands.
“Rise to the occasion by ensuring that no foreign element can take advantage of the protest to destabilise the country.
“She directs temporary suspension of all Leave applications and charges officers to exercise utmost professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their duties during and after the protest, explaining that Nigeria is the only country we have as our own.”
The planned nationwide protest in Nigeria follows a series of demonstrations in Kenya, where citizens protested against tax hikes, forcing the government to reconsider its stance.
The protests were organized majorly through social media platforms, similar to what’s happening in Nigeria.
