The Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has received 42 Nigerians deported to the Republic of Niger on their way to Europe for illegal entry.
The NIS spokesperson, Sunday James, gave the number in a statement in Abuja on Friday.
Mr. James said they had been deported to Nigeria via the Kongolam Control Post.
He said that the Nigerians affected, between the ages of 18 and 35, defied immigration clearance and crossed the border to enter the Republic of Niger.
The spokesman said that 12 out of 42 Nigerians had been convicted by the Federal High Court in Katsina for unlawful entry into the Republic of Niger on the way to Europe.
“Justice Hadiza Shagari, while ruling in the judgment, directed that the suspects should either pay N50, 000 fine or be remanded in the correctional centre for three months.
“The remaining 30 offenders will soon be docked in court on completion of charges against them, ” NIS Spokesman said.
In response to the developments, the Comptroller-General, NIS, Muhammad Babandede, ordered that the remaining 30 persons be tried without further delay.
Mr Babandede urged travelers to always submit themselves to immigration officials for examination anytime they traveled.
He also advised that those returning to the country should be subject to checks in accordance with Section 15 Subsections (1)a and (b) of the Immigration Act 2015. (NAN)
