Nigeria repatriates 82 foreigners because of Insecurity

The Federal Government, on Thursday, said it had repatriated a number of foreigners over what it described as nefarious activities which might undermine the security of the country.

The foreigners, who were repatriated from Jos, included a Chadian, Nigeriene and Senegalese.

According to the coordinator of the National Information Centre (NIC), Mr Mike Omeri, those nationals repatriated were jobless in Nigeria.

 ‘‘We also have the report that 82 foreigners made of Chadians, Nigerienes and Senegalese were repatriated to their countries from Jos. Their activities were adjudged to be fostering criminality within the area because they sell drugs and participate in unholy activities. None of them have valid papers, nor do they have handiwork that they were doing.

“The government needed to be proactive by ensuring that they return to their countries. It was done in a friendly atmosphere and it was not meant to challenge the freedom of movement of citizens of the sub-region and they have since left,” Omeri said.

Speaking on the fight against terrorism, Omeri said the Nigerian military had successfully executed military operations from active intelligence on Boko Haram.

He further stated that, following the recent training and newly-established intelligence sharing mechanism, the Nigerian army would continue to make positive gains against the insurgents with new equipment providing wide territorial coverage and increased response capacity.

While commending some neighbouring countries for their efforts in combating insurgency, Omeri called on others who try to rubbish the image of Nigeria to have a rethink.

ss“We equally call on ?others wishing to make political capital and rubbish the image of Nigeria and her efforts in the fight against terror to have a rethink.

“As it is Nigeria today, it could be the turn of another country tomorrow, hence the need for collaboration and cooperation in whatever capacity”, Omeri said.

The Centre however commended the efforts of Nigerians, the Military, local community militia? And other security forces for their complementary roles in the success recorded so far in the campaign against terror in the North East.