The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched an extensive internal inquiry following online accusations linking one of its officers to serious misconduct, vowing to uphold accountability and professional standards.
The investigation comes after a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism alleged that a 21-year-old woman from Akwa Ibom State was arrested by an officer identified as Isa Makama, who allegedly detained and assaulted her for several days.
While the agency has not yet verified the claims, it stated that it is actively examining the matter in detail, reviewing all available information and evidence, and taking the necessary steps to establish the facts before drawing any conclusions.
In a statement shared on its X platform on Thursday, the NIS described the accusations as grave and incompatible with the institution’s code of conduct, stressing that behaviour violating ethical standards would not be tolerated and would attract firm institutional responses if confirmed through due process.
The Service emphasised that protecting citizens’ rights remains central to its mandate, warning that any officer proven to have abused their authority would face consequences under disciplinary and legal frameworks designed to uphold integrity within the organisation.
According to the statement, “The attention of the Nigeria Immigration Service has been drawn to an online publication alleging grave misconduct by one of its personnel, including claims of unlawful detention and sexual assault involving a Nigerian woman.”
“Any acts of misconduct by any of its personnel are entirely unacceptable and will be treated with the severity they deserve, as they undermine the Service’s values, ethics, and professional standards.”
“The Service has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, and any personnel found to have engaged in misconduct will be held accountable. Appropriate disciplinary and legal actions will be applied,” underscoring its refusal to protect wrongdoing.
