JUST IN: NIS STRENGTHENS BORDER SECURITY WITH TECHNOLOGY TO COMBAT IRREGULAR MIGRATION

NIS STRENGTHENS BORDER SECURITY WITH TECHNOLOGY TO COMBAT IRREGULAR MIGRATION

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has intensified efforts to curb irregular migration and migrant smuggling through the deployment of advanced technology and enhanced border surveillance systems across the country.

The Service Public Relations Officer, Mr. Akinsola Akinlabi, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, stating that the agency has recorded significant successes in detecting and preventing illegal cross-border movements.

According to Akinlabi, sustained border patrol operations and surveillance mechanisms have enabled immigration officers to intercept numerous irregular migrants attempting to enter or leave Nigeria through unauthorized routes.

He explained that officers stationed at various border locations have consistently identified and stopped illegal migration attempts, with many individuals being reunited with their families after interception.

“Most of the time, when people embark on irregular migration journeys, our officers stationed along the borders are able to intercept them and, in many cases, reunite them with their families,” he said.

The NIS spokesperson noted that the agency’s Border Surveillance Architecture has significantly improved its ability to monitor remote and difficult terrains that may be inaccessible to personnel. The system, he said, has helped authorities identify routes frequently used by irregular migrants and strategically deploy security assets to vulnerable locations.

He emphasized that the service’s responsibilities include safeguarding the nation’s borders and preventing migrant smuggling through effective monitoring of both inbound and outbound movements.

Akinlabi added that individuals attempting to enter Nigeria through illegal routes are regularly intercepted and returned to their countries of origin or locations from which they originated, in line with established immigration procedures.

Addressing challenges facing border management operations, he described irregular migration as a complex societal issue that requires broader public awareness and cooperation beyond law enforcement measures.

According to him, many people remain unaware of the risks associated with irregular migration, making public education an important component of the service’s strategy.

He stated that under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, the NIS has expanded public enlightenment campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and advisory programmes aimed at discouraging dangerous migration journeys while promoting legal migration channels.

On long-term solutions, Akinlabi identified technology as a critical pillar of modern border management, noting that technological tools have transformed the ability of security agencies to monitor vast and challenging border regions.

“Technology enables us to monitor terrains and locations that may not be easily accessible to personnel. With technological support, areas that are difficult to physically monitor can now be observed effectively, helping us detect and prevent irregular migration activities,” he said.

The NIS spokesperson further revealed that the first phase of the agency’s e-Border Solution project has been completed with support from the Ministry of Interior. He disclosed that preparations are underway for the second phase, which is expected to further enhance surveillance capabilities and strengthen border security nationwide.

Akinlabi commended the Federal Government for its continued support, noting that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has remained committed to improving border security as part of its broader national security objectives.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose support and oversight, he said, have assisted the service in implementing reforms and delivering on its migration management mandate.

The Nigeria Immigration Service maintains that the combination of technology-driven surveillance, intelligence gathering, border patrol operations, and public awareness campaigns will continue to play a key role in addressing irregular migration and strengthening national border security.