Following reports of the infiltration of terrorists and persons with criminal intentions from other neighbouring states, the Kogi State House of Assembly has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish preventive measures against the entry of terrorists and persons with criminal intentions into the state.
The bill, titled ‘A Bill to Provide for Preventive Measures Against Entry into the State of Terrorists and Persons with Criminal Intentions, to Provide Security Checks on Immigrants and for Connected Purposes,’ was sponsored by the member representing Okene II Constituency, Yusuf Zakeri Eneva.
Eneva, who led the debate on the proposed legislation during Tuesday’s plenary, said the bill was designed to regulate the influx of people into Kogi State, establish their identities and strengthen measures against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
He said the legislation would provide a framework for intelligence gathering and security profiling by law enforcement agencies while promoting non -kinetic measures aimed at protecting lives and property.
Eneva said the bill became necessary in view of growing concerns over the infiltration of criminal elements through the state’s land borders.
“Kogi’s strategic geographical location and its borders with more than 10 states make it particularly vulnerable to security threats; hence, the need for a legal framework to monitor people entering and residing in the state,” he said.
Contributing to the debate, lawmakers commended the sponsor for initiating the bill, noting that recent security developments across the country had underscored the need for proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.
Umar Aliyu, Speaker of the House, said drastic measures were required to ensure the safety of residents, stressing, however, that such measures must be backed by law.
Aliyu commended Eneva for sponsoring the bill and tasked the committee responsible for scrutinising the proposed legislation with developing effective measures that would complement the government’s efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment for citizens and residents of the state.
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