NIS ADOPTS TECH TO STRENGTHEN FIGHT AGAINST IRREGULAR MIGRATION
Read Time:2 Minute, 22 Second
By; Sunmola Ganiyat
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has strengthened border security through the deployment of advanced technology and improved surveillance systems aimed at curbing irregular migration and migrant smuggling across Nigeria’s borders.
The Service Public Relations Officer, Mr Akinsola Akinlabi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.
Akinlabi said the NIS had recorded notable successes in detecting and preventing illegal movement of persons through the country’s land borders, attributing the progress to sustained patrols and surveillance operations.
According to him, border officers regularly intercept irregular migrants attempting to exit or enter Nigeria through unauthorised routes, with many of such individuals being returned to their families or countries of origin.
He explained that the Service’s Border Surveillance Architecture was designed to monitor difficult and remote terrain that may not be easily accessible to personnel.
Akinlabi said this system had helped identify commonly used illegal migration routes, enabling the strategic deployment of security resources to those areas.
He added that the agency’s mandate covers both inbound and outbound migration, with a strong focus on preventing migrant smuggling and securing national borders.
While acknowledging the challenges of border management, he said irregular migration remains a complex societal issue that requires collective responsibility beyond enforcement efforts.
He noted that the Federal Government has continued to support the NIS with operational tools and resources, even as public awareness remains a major challenge.
Akinlabi stressed that many people still underestimate the dangers associated with irregular migration, despite ongoing enlightenment campaigns and advisory efforts by the Service.
He recalled that the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, had prioritised policies aimed at preventing illegal migration, protecting Nigerians, and strengthening bilateral relations.
He added that under her leadership, the NIS has intensified public sensitisation campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and advisory initiatives to discourage irregular migration.
On long-term strategies, Akinlabi highlighted technology as a central component of the Service’s border management approach.
He said while physical patrols remain important, technological tools have significantly enhanced monitoring of remote and difficult terrains.
According to him, this has improved the ability to detect and prevent irregular migration activities in areas that are otherwise hard to access.
He also disclosed that, with support from the Ministry of Interior, the NIS has completed the first phase of its e-Border Solution project and is preparing to commence the second phase.
The next phase, he said, will further strengthen existing infrastructure and enhance border surveillance nationwide.
Akinlabi commended the Federal Government for its continued backing, noting that the Tinubu administration remains committed to improving border security under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also praised the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his consistent support, saying it has been instrumental in driving reforms within the Service and improving its operational effectiveness.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0