The Nigerian government has successfully apprehended at least 10 individuals on Interpol’s watch list as they attempted to enter the country, marking a significant boost in the nation’s border security efforts.
The Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this development to President Bola Tinubu at the unveiling of the Technology Innovation Complex at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Sauka, Abuja.
The event also featured the launch of a new data complex, which includes the Command and Control Centre for regular migration, the NIS Data Centre, the ECOWAS Biometric Card Production Centre, and the Interior Data Centre, all powered by a 0.5KW solar power plant.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the newly installed technology infrastructure would revolutionize the nation’s ability to monitor immigration and border activities.
“In the last couple of days, there were 10 individuals who were on the Interpol and immigration wanted lists apprehended within just one week,” Tunji-Ojo revealed.
He explained that under previous conditions, such individuals would have easily entered Nigeria, potentially causing instability or terror.
However, with the new security measures, the country has sent a clear message that it is no longer a safe haven for criminal elements.
The facility, he added, is designed to enhance Nigeria’s ability to assess the risk levels of individuals entering the country, detect irregular migration patterns, and effectively monitor unmanned borders in hard-to-reach areas.
With the deployment of cutting-edge technology, the Nigerian government is taking a proactive approach to securing its borders and preventing illegal activities.
In addition to technological advancements, the facility is powered by a 0.5KW solar power plant, ensuring continuous operation despite power challenges.
The solar plant is fully operational, providing a sustainable energy solution for the data complex. The facility also benefits from round-the-clock monitoring by a team of 250 trained officers working in eight-hour shifts, ensuring constant surveillance of Nigeria’s borders.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted the comprehensive nature of the new security strategy, noting that it encompasses both energy solutions and technological infrastructure.
This end-to-end approach aims to address the complexities of modern border control, particularly in an era of heightened international security concerns.
The new initiative is part of a broader effort by the Nigerian government to strengthen its internal security and reduce the risk of terrorism, human trafficking, and other illegal activities.
By leveraging advanced technology, such as biometric systems and real-time data monitoring, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in border security within the West African region.
President Bola Tinubu, who was present at the launch, expressed his full support for the initiative, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The unveiling of the Technology Innovation Complex is seen as a key milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize security infrastructure and improve national security.
