The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has enhanced its border security capabilities with the inauguration of a 24-hour real-time surveillance system.
This advancement was announced by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, during the induction ceremony for 123 newly trained officers at the NIS Command and Control Centre.
The newly established surveillance system is designed to provide continuous monitoring of Nigeria’s land, maritime, and air borders. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our nation’s border security, border governance, and border control capabilities have just gotten better.
“We join an elite list of countries whose Immigration Officers can conduct 24/7 monitoring with real-time surveillance,” he affirmed.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that, with the facility now complete and personnel fully trained, the induction of these officers marks a significant milestone.
“Today, we take a giant leap by inducting officers who have demonstrated their competence through rigorous training and drills using state-of-the-art technology,” he stated.
The Minister emphasized that this technological advancement aligns with the Nigerian government’s broader strategy to use innovative solutions for national security.
Global partnerships
The introduction of advanced surveillance technology significantly enhances Nigeria’s ability to forge partnerships on an international scale. This technology not only strengthens border security but also enables the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to collaborate effectively with global security organizations, such as Interpol.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized this capability by stating, “This technology affords us global integration where we can seamlessly collaborate with Interpol and other international security agencies.” His remarks highlight the initiative’s importance in bolstering Nigeria’s security framework, allowing for improved communication and coordination with international counterparts.
The Minister expressed his pride in the achievements of the NIS “I am proud of what the Nigerian Immigration has achieved, and I look forward to more strides from all agencies under the Ministry of Interior,” he said.
What you should know
In an effort to strengthen national security and curb illegal activities, the Federal Government has taken significant steps regarding the management of Nigeria’s borders to enhance border security and effectively manage cross-border activities.
- The Federal Government initiated the process of enhancing security at the country’s borders through the deployment of advanced technology, including the installation of surveillance cameras for real-time monitoring.
- In October 2019, Nairametrics reported that the Federal Government announced the total closure of land borders, banning both legitimate and illegitimate movement of goods in and out of the country to prevent the smuggling of illegal arms, food, and agricultural products, thereby stimulating local production.
- In December 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the immediate reopening of four land borders Seme, Illela, Maigatari, and Mfunov er a year after they had been closed.
