The new Controller of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos state Command, Alagbon, Comptroller, Aliu Mohammad Akadri, Tuesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, signaling a renewed commitment to inter-agency cooperation in tackling security challenges across the state.
Akadri, emphasized the historical bond between the two forces, stating, “Immigration was cut off from police in 1963. Whether we like it or not, police are our parents. We are their children. That’s why I say I must come to the police headquarters to see the honourable CP first before I start touring the other agencies.”
The purpose of the visit, according to the new NIS Controller, was to ensure the continuation of the strong cooperation his predecessor had enjoyed.
He highlighted the critical need for collaboration given the current security landscape, stressing that no single agency can effectively address the nation’s challenges alone.
“The situation in the country now, If there’s any intelligence report we gather from ourselves, I can easily send it to my brother. If there’s anything that you can assist us to, at least my brother can call me,” he stated, reflecting on his positive experiences of inter-agency work, including his time as a controller in the United States. He also expressed gratitude for his posting to Lagos from Abu Dhabi, seeking collective support for success.
Receiving the NIS Controller and his management team, the Lagos state Commissioner of Police, CP, Olohundare Jimoh, underscored the significance of the visit.
“The visit of the controller of immigration to my office today to meet with my management team is a testimony of the very cordial relationship that we’ve been enjoying from each other over the years,” CP Jimoh stated. He proudly acknowledged the police force as the “lead agency in internal security,” emphasizing the necessity of robust cooperation from all sister agencies.
CP Jimoh affirmed the historical closeness, noting that Immigration was “the last to leave the police force” and even “left with our uniform.” He assured the new Controller that during his tenure, the existing cordial working relationship would be strengthened to a “higher level” to achieve government objectives in internal security.
Drawing on his own experience, including a three-year stint as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigations) at the Airport Police Command, CP Jimoh highlighted the daily exchange of intelligence and notes with Immigration. He stressed the importance of this synergy transcending down to the lower operational levels, ensuring that frontline personnel also work collaboratively.
“The duty of immigration and the duty of Nigerian police force are well spelled out. But there’s an area of collaboration that is quite extensive because no organization can do it alone,” CP Jimoh added, emphasizing the joint effort to ensure the safety and security of Lagosians and visitors alike.
Both commanders expressed their commitment to continuous intelligence sharing, particularly in addressing trans-border crimes, and to regularly lecture their personnel on the importance of seamless cooperation on the streets. The visit concluded with a closed-door meeting to discuss operational specifics and further solidify their joint strategies.