NIS to arrest Non-accredited Foreign Election Observers

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has declared its resolve to arrest and deport foreigners who may want to illegally observe the General Elections, under the guise of tourism. The Comptroller-General, Muhammed Babandede, made the announcement during the first quarterly forum on the Agency’s preparation for the General Elections. He said only genuine observers would be allowed to access polling units. He said tourists should state their mission from the onset and not apply for a tourist visa and then resort to monitoring the elections, adding that illegal election observation will attract a deportation order. He also added that entry points into the country, particularly land borders will be closed prior to the elections and pledged judicious utilization of the N2.6bn allocated to the agency for election monitoring and participation. He assured Nigerians that logistics with regard to the operations of the Immigration Service will be seamless for the elections.

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