The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it is intensifying efforts to curb irregular migration and migrant smuggling through the deployment of advanced technology, enhanced border surveillance systems and strengthened patrol operations across the country.
The Service Public Relations Officer, Mr. Akinsola Akinlabi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, highlighting recent gains recorded by the agency in securing Nigeria’s borders and reducing unauthorized cross-border movements.
According to Akinlabi, the NIS has achieved notable success in detecting and intercepting individuals attempting to enter or leave the country through illegal routes. He attributed the progress to a combination of intelligence-driven border patrols, surveillance infrastructure and improved operational coordination.
He explained that officers stationed at key border locations regularly intercept migrants attempting irregular journeys and, in many cases, reunite them with their families before they fall victim to trafficking networks or other dangers associated with unauthorized migration.
“Border security remains a core responsibility of the NIS, and we have continued to strengthen our capacity to detect and prevent irregular migration through land borders,” he said.
Akinlabi noted that the agency’s Border Surveillance Architecture has significantly improved its ability to monitor remote and difficult terrains that were previously challenging to access. The system, he said, enables immigration authorities to identify migration hotspots and deploy resources more effectively.
The NIS spokesperson added that surveillance efforts focus on both inbound and outbound movements, helping officers identify and intercept migrants using unauthorized crossing points. Individuals found entering Nigeria through illegal routes are typically returned to their countries of origin or redirected through appropriate legal processes.
While acknowledging the progress made, Akinlabi said irregular migration remains a complex challenge that cannot be addressed through enforcement alone. He emphasized the need for greater public awareness of the risks associated with illegal migration, including human trafficking, exploitation and loss of life.
He said the leadership of the NIS, under Comptroller General Kemi Nandap, has prioritized policies aimed at protecting Nigerians from the dangers of irregular migration while promoting safe and legal mobility.
As part of this strategy, the service has expanded public sensitization campaigns, stakeholder engagement initiatives and migration awareness programs designed to educate citizens about lawful travel options and migration procedures.
“Many people do not fully understand the risks involved in irregular migration. Public enlightenment is therefore critical to preventing vulnerable individuals from embarking on dangerous journeys,” Akinlabi said.
Technology, he noted, remains central to the agency’s long-term border management strategy. Beyond traditional patrols, digital surveillance tools are enabling officers to monitor vast areas more efficiently and respond quickly to emerging threats.
He revealed that, with support from the Ministry of Interior, the NIS has successfully completed the first phase of its e-Border Solution Project. Preparations are now underway for the second phase, which is expected to further strengthen surveillance capabilities and improve border management nationwide.
According to him, the project represents a major step toward modernizing Nigeria’s border security framework and aligning migration management practices with global standards.
Akinlabi also commended the Federal Government for its continued investment in border security initiatives. He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration has provided critical support for reforms aimed at enhancing national security and migration management.
He further praised the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for supporting the implementation of modernization projects and operational reforms within the service.
“The support from the Federal Government and the Ministry of Interior has been instrumental in helping the NIS deliver on its mandate. These investments are strengthening our ability to secure Nigeria’s borders and manage migration effectively,” he said.
