By Peter Dansu The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has pledged to investigate allegations that some of its officers demanded N2 million a...
By Peter Dansu
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has pledged to investigate allegations that some of its officers demanded N2 million and later collected N200,000 from a Nigerian woman travelling to Mali through the Seme border in Badagry, Lagos State.
The commitment followed an investigative report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), as published by CityMood, detailing the experience of the traveller, Blessing Etim.
In an email response to FIJ after the report was published, the NIS said it operates a zero tolerance policy for corruption, harassment and abuse of office, stressing that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against any officer found culpable.
The Service stated that it treats such allegations with utmost seriousness and reiterated its resolve to maintain professionalism across its operations.
According to FIJ, the NIS requested supporting materials to enable a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation. These include payment receipts, transaction alerts, identifying details of the officers involved and the victim’s contact information, with assurances that all submitted materials would be treated confidentially.
FIJ further reported that an official from the NIS headquarters later contacted the organisation by phone, apologised over the alleged incident and assured that the matter would be investigated, with restitution made where necessary.
The allegations arose from an earlier account by Blessing Etim’s brother, Isaac Ben Etim, who told FIJ that his sister was detained at the border, accused of travelling for prostitution despite presenting valid travel documents, and was only released after money was paid.
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