The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has deployed advanced surveillance infrastructure under the first phase of its e-border programme to strengthen border security and improve monitoring, intelligence gathering and migration management.
The NIS said surveillance masts equipped with 24-hour thermal and optical monitoring systems have been installed at several border locations, providing daytime coverage of between 10km and 15km, and up to 5km at night.
It added that the second phase of the project will extend the technology to additional land border posts.
The new surveillance infrastructure forms part of broader efforts to strengthen border security, said Akinsola Akinlabi, deputy controller of immigration and spokesman for the NIS, during a joint briefing by spokespersons from Nigeria's security, defence and law enforcement agencies in Abuja.
He said NIS has also established an Integrated Operating Centre to serve as a central hub for real-time intelligence gathering, surveillance and data integration relating to foreign nationals.
According to Akinlabi, the NIS strengthened border security, tackled transnational crime and improved migration management between January and May 2026.
During the period, the Service repatriated 567 foreign nationals for violating Nigeria's immigration laws and deported six others, including four linked to a visa racketeering syndicate and two who had completed prison sentences for criminal offences.
Akinlabi said enforcement operations also resulted in the recovery of 47 National Identification Number cards from irregular migrants, while 21 stowaways were apprehended at various seaports as they attempted to enter or leave the country through unauthorised routes.
Beyond enforcement, he said the NIS continued community-based initiatives aimed at preventing irregular migration and cross-border crime.
According to Akinlabi, the Seme Border Command conducted awareness programmes for transport operators and community stakeholders in March 2026, while the Idi-Iroko Border Command held campaigns in markets, motor parks and schools to educate residents about the risks and security implications of trans-border crime.
Share
