The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has revealed that several individuals listed on INTERPOL’s Red Notice were recently apprehended at Nigerian airports, in what authorities have described as a significant stride in the country’s border security operations.
The arrests were made within a two-day span, and the suspects, who are wanted for various offences in countries such as Italy and the Republic of Ireland, were intercepted as they attempted to enter Nigeria. The minister disclosed this development while addressing participants at a regional workshop on maritime border security held in Lagos on Tuesday.
“These individuals, flagged by INTERPOL, would have entered Nigeria 18 years ago without a trace. But today, we have put systems in place to ensure such persons are detected and stopped at the point of entry,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He credited the breakthrough to Nigeria’s renewed investment in surveillance infrastructure and its full integration of air terminals into a centralized passenger screening system. According to him, this integration allows for real-time monitoring and red-flagging of high-risk individuals attempting to cross Nigerian borders.
The Minister also affirmed that Nigeria had adopted the United Nations-recommended Advanced Passenger Information (API) system, which enables security agencies to assess incoming travelers even before their arrival in the country. This technology, he noted, has significantly enhanced the capabilities of the Nigerian Immigration Service and other relevant agencies in tracking and intercepting criminal elements.
The arrest of these fugitives is being viewed as a major success in Nigeria’s efforts to align with global security standards and reinforces the country’s collaboration with international law enforcement bodies, particularly INTERPOL.
Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the suspects or the nature of the crimes for which they are wanted, citing ongoing investigations and diplomatic protocols. However, Minister Tunji-Ojo assured that due process will be followed in handling the suspects in line with international legal frameworks.
The development has been widely applauded as a testament to Nigeria’s strengthening internal security architecture and its commitment to preventing the country from being used as a safe haven for international criminals.
