The Federal Government has announced the arrest of 10 individuals on INTERPOL’s wanted list within a single week. This revelation was made by 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.
“In the last couple of days, there were 10 people who were on the INTERPOL and immigration wanted list apprehended within one week,” Tunji-Ojo disclosed. “Before now, such individuals could easily enter Nigeria and cause terror. Under this new leadership, Nigeria is now a no-go area for any criminal element,” he added.
The newly commissioned complex is designed to enhance border security by assessing risks associated with individuals entering the country, detecting irregular migration patterns, and monitoring Nigeria’s remote and unmanned borders.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The complex includes cutting-edge facilities such as a command and control centre, an NIS data centre, an ECOWAS biometric card production centre, and a 0.5KW solar power plant. Tunji-Ojo noted that the solar plant would reduce operational costs and promote sustainability, saving over N300 million annually.
“We decided on an end-to-end solution with an energy component. The solar plant is 100% operational and powers the entire facility,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of human capacity development, stating that 250 immigration officers had been trained to ensure round-the-clock surveillance.
Advancing Border Governance
Tunji-Ojo highlighted key achievements, including the automation of the visa process, enabling approvals within 48 hours, and the introduction of the ECOWAS travel document to facilitate seamless movement within the region.
“For the first time in the history of this country, we now have over 200 borders fully monitored. Nigeria is now firmly in charge of its border governance,” the minister stated.
President Tinubu Commends Innovation
President Tinubu lauded the NIS for its innovative approach, emphasizing that the complex would enhance passenger profiling, flag high-risk individuals, and detect suspicious travel patterns.
“This state-of-the-art data-driven surveillance facility represents a significant milestone in harnessing technology for national security and development,” Tinubu said.
He also projected a full transition to a new passport regime by 2025, affirming the security significance of passports as more than just travel documents.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC) will integrate operations across government agencies, further solidifying Nigeria’s border security framework.
With this groundbreaking development, Nigeria is set to gain international recognition for its technological advancements in immigration and border management.
