Nigeria Immigration Service suspends officer over begging allegations

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI II) Okpravero Ufuoma following allegations of soliciting money from a traveller.

The suspension was announced by NIS Comptroller General Kemi Nandap through a statement from the service’s spokesman, Kenneth Udo.

Nandap condemned the officer’s behavior, which was captured in a video circulating on social media and does not align with the NIS’s values and professional ethics.

The suspension is indefinite and will remain in effect pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings.

The NIS emphasized that such conduct undermines ongoing reforms aimed at improving service standards.

“This disgraceful act is not a representation of our commitment to hospitality, reception, and courtesy. As a result, the officer in question has been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures,” she said.

The NIS boss reiterated the NIS commitment to identifying and removing corrupt elements within its ranks, in line with its zero-tolerance for corruption policy.

The comptroller general also assured that the NIS would continue to strive for excellence in service delivery, in alignment with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the federal government.

Ms Nandap added that electronic gates (e-gates) were being installed at all international airports to facilitate smoother travel for passengers and prevent incidents involving the suspended officer.

She urged the public to report any misconduct or corruption by its officers to the appropriate authorities.

(NAN)