The Federal Government has announced the apprehension of at least 10 individuals on INTERPOL’s watch list attempting to enter Nigeria.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this during the unveiling of the Technology Innovation Complex at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. President Bola Tinubu attended the event, which showcased the government’s latest advancements in border security and data management.
The newly unveiled Data Complex includes a Command and Control Centre for monitoring migration, an NIS Data Centre, an ECOWAS Biometric Card Production Centre, an Interior Data Centre, and a 0.5KW solar power plant.
Speaking at the event, Tunji-Ojo highlighted the facility’s role in enhancing national security, stating:
In the last few days, 10 people on the INTERPOL and immigration wanted list were apprehended. Previously, these individuals could have entered Nigeria undetected, posing a serious security risk. Under the new leadership, we are making it clear that Nigeria is a no-go area for criminal elements.”
The advanced system aims to assess the risk levels of travelers, detect irregular migration patterns, and monitor unmanned borders in hard-to-reach areas nationwide.
Additionally, the Minister noted that 250 trained officers now operate on eight-hour shifts to ensure 24/7 border surveillance, further bolstered by the solar-powered facility.
President Tinubu commended the initiative, emphasizing its significance in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring national security.