Nigeria Apprehends 10 On FBI Watchlist, Unveils Advanced Immigration Data Complex
The Federal Government has announced the arrest of 10 individuals on the FBI and Interpol watchlists attempting to enter Nigeria. This development was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the unveiling of the Technology Innovation Complex at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja.
The event, attended by President Bola Tinubu, marked the launch of several critical facilities, including the Command and Control Centre for regular migration, the NIS Data Centre, the ECOWAS Biometric Card Production Centre, and a 0.5KW solar power plant.
Highlighting the significance of the new complex, Tunji-Ojo stated that its advanced systems have already proven effective in monitoring and intercepting high-risk individuals.
“In the last week alone, 10 individuals on the Interpol and immigration wanted lists were apprehended,” the minister revealed. “Previously, such persons could have entered Nigeria undetected and posed significant threats. Under this new leadership, Nigeria is now a no-go area for criminal elements.”
The facility is designed to enhance Nigeria’s border security by identifying irregular migration patterns, assessing risk levels, and monitoring unmanned borders in remote areas. Tunji-Ojo noted that a trained team of 250 officers operates the surveillance systems round-the-clock, working in eight-hour shifts to ensure continuous monitoring.
The minister also underscored the facility’s cost-saving benefits, projecting an annual savings of over ₦300 million due to the automation of processes and improved efficiency.
“Nigeria was losing billions annually. With this state-of-the-art technology, we will save significantly while ensuring our borders are secure,” Tunji-Ojo said.
Among the technological advancements introduced are an automated visa regime allowing approvals within 48 hours and a robust ECOWAS travel document system facilitating seamless regional mobility.
The minister also highlighted the role of the facility in enhancing coordination among security agencies, citing its use during recent flooding in Maiduguri, where critical information was shared in under three hours.
Commending the Office of the National Security Adviser for its support, Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the complex would operate 24/7.
The facility includes key components, such as:
- A data centre
- A command and control centre
- A visa approval centre
- An ECOWAS centre
- A solar farm for sustainable energy supply
President Tinubu lauded the development, emphasizing its importance for national security and regional integration. This milestone marks a significant step in modernizing Nigeria’s immigration and border management systems.
