The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has intensified efforts to combat irregular migration and migrant smuggling by deploying advanced technology and strengthening border surveillance across the country.
According to the Service Public Relations Officer, Mr. Akinsola Akinlabi, the agency has recorded notable successes in detecting and preventing illegal movements through Nigeria’s land borders. Speaking in Abuja, he explained that enhanced surveillance operations and regular border patrols have helped immigration officers intercept many individuals attempting to enter or leave the country through unauthorized routes.
Akinlabi said officers stationed along various border corridors frequently identify and stop irregular migrants before they complete their journeys. In many cases, intercepted individuals are reunited with their families, while foreign nationals attempting to enter Nigeria illegally are returned to their countries of origin or the locations from which they came.
The NIS spokesperson noted that the agency’s Border Surveillance Architecture plays a crucial role in monitoring remote and difficult terrains that are often challenging for personnel to access physically. Through the use of modern surveillance technologies, the service can identify migration routes commonly used by smugglers and irregular migrants and deploy resources strategically to those locations.
He explained that the agency’s primary responsibility is to secure Nigeria’s borders and prevent migrant smuggling, adding that surveillance operations focus on both incoming and outgoing movements. These efforts, he said, have contributed significantly to reducing the number of people attempting to leave the country through illegal land routes.
Despite these achievements, Akinlabi acknowledged that irregular migration remains a complex challenge that cannot be solved through enforcement alone. He stressed that public awareness and education are equally important in addressing the issue, as many people still do not fully understand the dangers associated with irregular migration journeys.
He highlighted the leadership of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, who upon assuming office pledged to introduce policies aimed at reducing illegal migration, protecting Nigerian citizens, and strengthening international relations. As part of this commitment, the service has increased public enlightenment campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and awareness programmes to discourage unsafe migration practices.
Technology, according to Akinlabi, remains a key pillar of the agency’s long-term strategy. While physical patrols continue to play an important role, technological solutions have transformed border management by enabling officers to monitor locations that would otherwise be difficult to access. This has improved the service’s ability to detect suspicious activities and prevent irregular migration before it occurs.
The NIS also revealed that, with support from the Ministry of Interior, it has completed the first phase of its e-Border Solution project. Preparations are currently underway for the second phase, which is expected to enhance existing border security infrastructure and further strengthen surveillance capabilities nationwide.
Akinlabi praised the continued support of the Federal Government under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the government remains committed to improving border security through the Renewed Hope Agenda. He also commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for providing consistent support and oversight that have enabled the service to implement reforms and improve operational effectiveness.
According to the NIS, ongoing investments in technology, surveillance infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and border management reforms will continue to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat irregular migration, disrupt migrant smuggling networks, and improve national security.