The Nigerian Immigration Service has sacked 60 of its officials for collecting bribes in their line of duty. The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede said this while speaking with BBC Hausa, on Saturday.
Babandede noted that the 60 officials were sacked following complaints “with evidence” before the Immigration Service and subsequently through the Ministry of Interior.
BusinessDay had earlier evidently reported how corrupt immigration officials collected peanut bribes from illegal migrants at different immigration checkpoints. The report, an undercover investigation, revealed how with N200 bribes per checkpoints, illegal migration was encouraged by officers of the Immigration Service.
“Under the board of Ministry of Interior, we have dismissed 60 personnel caught for bribery and corruption in the airports and borders,” Bandede said.
He also said: ”We have also discouraged the culture of those working in ‘choice areas’ giving out ‘returns’ to their superiors. Anyone caught should have himself blame.”
He however said any evidence provided against any of its men involved in fraud must be fool-proof.
“When reporting a corruption incident, the complainants have to provide evidence before the Immigration Service beyond doubt for further action otherwise any action taken against the accused person would be voided later,” he said.
