In a significant development aimed at enhancing national security, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has entered into a strategic partnership with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to strengthen collaborative efforts against cross-border criminal activities and improve border management systems across the nation.
The announcement came following a high-level meeting between the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, and INTERPOL representatives at the NIS headquarters in Abuja yesterday. The initiative represents a bold step towards addressing the growing challenges of human trafficking, smuggling operations, and document fraud that have plagued Nigeria’s borders in recent years.
“This collaboration marks a turning point in our approach to border security,” said Nandap during the press briefing. “By leveraging INTERPOL’s global network and technical expertise, we are positioning ourselves to better identify and intercept transnational criminals attempting to use our borders for illicit activities.
The partnership will see the implementation of advanced biometric screening systems at major entry points, allowing immigration officials to access INTERPOL’s extensive database of wanted persons, stolen travel documents, and criminal records in real-time. This technological upgrade is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of identity fraud and prevent individuals with questionable backgrounds from entering or exiting the country undetected.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Interior confirmed that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity while facilitating legitimate travel and commerce. “The government recognizes that effective border management is critical to national development and regional stability,” the spokesperson emphasized.
Training programs for immigration officers form a central component of the collaboration, with INTERPOL experts scheduled to conduct specialized workshops on document verification, risk profiling, and intelligence gathering techniques. The capacity-building efforts will initially target personnel stationed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, and key land borders in the northern regions.
Security analysts have praised the initiative, noting that enhanced border control mechanisms could help address not only security threats but also improve revenue collection through the reduction of smuggling activities. Dr. Olumide Akintayo, a security consultant based in Lagos, described the partnership as “a necessary response to the evolving nature of transnational crime in West Africa.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has faced mounting pressure to modernize its operations following several high-profile cases of human trafficking and terrorist movement across porous borders. This new collaboration is expected to address these challenges while bringing Nigeria’s border management practices closer to international standards.
The implementation plan includes the installation of INTERPOL’s I-24/7 global police communications system at all international airports and major land borders within six months, creating a seamless information-sharing network between Nigerian authorities and their counterparts worldwide.
As Nigeria continues to position itself as a key player in regional security architecture, this partnership demonstrates the country’s willingness to embrace international cooperation in addressing shared security challenges that transcend national boundaries.
