The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the arrest of 10 individuals on INTERPOL’s wanted list within a single week, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s border security efforts.
The revelation was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the inauguration of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Technology Innovation Complex by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
“In the last few days, 10 individuals flagged on INTERPOL and immigration watchlists have been apprehended,” Tunji-Ojo said. “Under this new leadership, Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for criminal elements.”
The newly commissioned state-of-the-art facility will enable authorities to assess risk levels of incoming travelers, identify irregular migration patterns, and monitor previously unmanned border areas.
The complex, equipped with a 0.5KW solar power plant to cut costs and promote sustainability, is expected to save Nigeria over ₦300 million annually. Tunji-Ojo highlighted that the NIS has automated the visa process, ensuring approvals within 48 hours, and introduced a modern ECOWAS travel document for easier movement across the region.
President Tinubu praised the center, calling it a landmark achievement in enhancing national security and data integration. He noted the facility’s ability to profile high-risk passengers, analyze suspicious travel patterns, and coordinate data-sharing with international organizations.
“With this facility, we are fully in charge of border governance, watching over more than 200 borders and ensuring 24/7 surveillance,” Tunji-Ojo stated, emphasizing improved service delivery to Nigerians.
The minister also disclosed plans for a new passport regime by 2025, highlighting its importance as a security document. The newly inaugurated complex includes a command and control center, ECOWAS biometric card production hub, and other integrated facilities designed to revolutionize Nigeria’s immigration services.
