In a dramatic clampdown on illegal entry into Nigeria, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has intercepted 14 individuals flagged as “persons of interest” by international security agencies.
This revelation was made on Friday by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the unveiling of the NIS Career Progression and Training Policy Framework (CPTF) and Gender Mainstreaming Policy in Abuja.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the feat was achieved through the Advanced Passenger Information (API) system, a newly introduced technology that allows pre-screening of travelers’ profiles before they arrive in Nigeria.
Weeks ago, such individuals would have entered Nigeria unnoticed, he said. But now, “the state must be ahead of criminals, not behind. Otherwise, there will be anarchy.”
The Advanced Passenger Information (API) system, described as revolutionary, enables immigration officials to access travelers’ records before they arrive. It is part of the Modernizing Nigeria Immigration Service (MoNIS) project, sponsored by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
Speaking about the API’s effectiveness, Dr. Tunji-Ojo said, “Just yesterday, I got a report about some persons of interest that were nabbed—14 of them in total. In just two days, six flagged individuals were stopped. These people had been flagged internationally.”
This success, he emphasized, highlights Nigeria’s commitment to border security in the face of growing global migration challenges.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo commended the leadership of the Comptroller General of Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nandap, for steering the Service toward modernization.
“Today, if you go to the Command and Control Centre, you will see what is happening. The NIS personnel working there are doing eight-hour shifts daily with no external help. They have been doing a fantastic job,” he noted.
The minister added that MoNIS is no longer an option but a necessity in combating irregular migration and ensuring national security.
“Finally, we are institutionalizing change because I believe in long-term solutions to long-term problems,” he declared.
A Focus on Personnel Development
During the event, the CGIS, Kemi Nandap, highlighted the importance of the two newly launched policy documents—the Career Progression and Training Policy Framework (CPTF) and the Gender Mainstreaming Policy.
She described personnel as the most valuable resource within the Service, emphasizing that training and career guidance are crucial for building a professional and efficient workforce.
“The CPTF will guide training activities and career progression in the Service. Training and retraining will embed professionalism and core values into the daily routine of officers and men,” Nandap explained.
She also pointed out that the Gender Mainstreaming Policy aligns with the global push for inclusivity, ensuring that women have equal opportunities within the NIS.
Irregular migration has been a long-standing issue for Nigeria, and MoNIS is part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle this challenge.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo stressed that the measures introduced are not just temporary fixes but foundational steps to secure Nigeria’s borders against threats.
“These achievements show that the new NIS is ready to handle modern challenges. We are putting systems in place to stay ahead of criminals,” the minister said.
Border security remains a pressing issue worldwide, with countries increasingly adopting technology to manage migration and enhance security. Nigeria’s introduction of the API system demonstrates its commitment to adopting global best practices.
However, experts believe more needs to be done to address the root causes of irregular migration, such as economic challenges and security concerns, which drive people to seek illegal entry routes.
The minister’s emphasis on institutionalizing change offers hope for a more secure and efficient immigration system in Nigeria.