The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has improved border security operations across the country through the deployment of modern technology and strengthened surveillance systems aimed at reducing irregular migration and migrant smuggling.
The Service Public Relations Officer, Mr Akinsola Akinlabi, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
According to him, the service has achieved notable progress in identifying and stopping illegal movement of persons through Nigeria’s land borders, crediting the development to sustained patrol operations and enhanced monitoring systems.
Akinlabi explained that officers stationed along border corridors have routinely intercepted individuals attempting to cross in or out of the country through unauthorized routes, often returning them to their families or countries of origin.
“Most of the time, when people embark on irregular migration journeys, our officers stationed along the borders are able to intercept them and, in many cases, reunite them with their families.
“A lot has been recorded in this area, and these efforts have significantly reduced the number of people using land routes to leave the country irregularly.”
He further noted that the NIS Border Surveillance Architecture was designed to cover remote and difficult terrains that are not easily accessible to personnel, helping the agency track and respond to migration-related activities.
According to him, the system has helped identify common routes used for irregular migration, enabling the strategic deployment of personnel and resources to such areas.
He added that the agency’s responsibility includes securing both inbound and outbound movements, with irregular migrants entering Nigeria through illegal channels also being intercepted and returned.
Akinlabi said irregular migration remains a complex social challenge that requires more than enforcement alone, stressing the need for broader public awareness and collective responsibility.
He explained that while no border agency operates without challenges, the Federal Government has continued to support the NIS with operational tools and resources needed to strengthen its work.
He also pointed out that many citizens remain unaware of the dangers associated with irregular migration, which continues to contribute to the problem.
“We see irregular migration as a societal problem because many people do not understand the dangers associated with it.
“When the NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap, was appointed, she promised to develop policies that would prevent illegal migration, safeguard the lives of Nigerians and foster positive bilateral relations.
“That is why the service under her leadership is investing heavily in public enlightenment campaigns, stakeholder engagements and the issuance of advisories to discourage people from embarking on such journeys,” he said.
On long-term solutions, Akinlabi highlighted the growing role of technology in border management, describing it as a key tool for improving surveillance and operational efficiency.
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He said while physical patrols remain essential, technological systems now allow the service to monitor hard-to-reach areas more effectively and detect illegal migration activities in real time.
“With technological support, areas that are difficult to physically monitor can now be observed effectively, helping us detect and prevent irregular migration activities,” he said.
He also disclosed that the service, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, has completed the first phase of its e-Border Solution project and is preparing to begin the second phase.
According to him, the next phase will further strengthen existing systems and expand the country’s border surveillance capacity.
Akinlabi commended the Federal Government for its continued backing, noting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu 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 played a key role in the service’s reforms and operational effectiveness.
“The support we have continued to receive from the minister and his supervision have been instrumental to all our activities and implementation of our reforms.
“The minister strongly believes in the NIS and remains committed to ensuring that the service continues to effectively deliver on its mandate and provide leadership in migration management and border security.
“The government is also fully in support of what we are doing, and the President Tinubu-led administration has continued to provide the needed support to enhance our operations and secure the nation’s borders,” he said.