By Muyideen Aliyu
The Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to tackling insecurity across the state through strategic partnerships with key security stakeholders.
The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman (SAN), disclosed that the government will partner with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and other security agencies to curb the influx of illegal immigrants into Kwara.
Speaking during a working visit to the state commands of the NIS and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ilorin, Sulyman noted that maintaining security remains a collective responsibility.
Sulyman, who serves as the Chairman of the State Task Force on Human Trafficking, was represented by the Director of the Gender-Based Violence Response Unit at the Ministry of Justice and Secretary of the Task Force, Funke Balogun, Esq.
She explained that the visit aimed to strengthen ties with relevant authorities to stem the tide of insecurity.
The Attorney General expressed deep concern over the unvetted influx of irregular migrants into the state, describing it as a major security threat.
He emphasized the government’s resolve to address these challenges and restore peace to affected communities.
“This irregular migration is directly linked to the terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry that have crept into our state. Kwara has historically been a very peaceful state,” he said.
While clarifying that no Nigerian citizen can be denied the right to reside in any state of their choice, Sulyman stressed that anyone relocating to Kwara must have a legitimate purpose.
He urged the NIS, NSCDC, and other security agencies to support the administration in eradicating human trafficking, calling it a tough but necessary task.
He noted that resolving Kwara’s security challenges begins with regulating illegal migration through data tracking and proper profiling, a goal achievable through synergy with border authorities and field offices statewide.
Also speaking, the state Coordinator of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse, and Labour (NACTAL), Mr. Olufemi Oyedeji, called for decisive action against human trafficking, noting that women and young girls remain the primary victims.
In response, the Comptroller of the NIS Kwara State Command, Hussain Ibrahim represented by Deputy Comptroller Saka Jimoh pledged full support for the task force through logistics and operational assistance.
He advised the committee to extend its public sensitization campaigns to markets and religious centers to expose the tactics of traffickers and prevent exploitation.
Similarly, the NSCDC State Commandant, Abbas Mohammed, declared his command’s readiness to back the task force.
He assured that the NSCDC would bolster cooperation with the NIS at state borders to prevent human trafficking and unlawful entry.