By Correspondent in Abuja.
The Nigerian government has inducted 123 officers into the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Command and Control Centre, fortifying the nation’s border security and surveillance capabilities.
During the induction ceremony in Abuja, Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said that the new facility, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and integrated with Interpol and other global security agencies, would bolster the country’s security measures.
This integration,he added allows for advanced passenger profiling and proactive identification of persons of interest.
“With this centre, we can identify and track persons of interest even before they board flights to Nigeria,” Tunji-Ojo stated
He noted that the 24/7 operational facility would monitor Nigeria’s land, maritime, and air borders.
The Minister emphasized Nigeria’s geographical significance, sharing borders with 10 countries and positioned in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea regions,thus making border security a critical priority.
He added that the NIS now plays a vital role in Nigeria’s national security architecture, far beyond passport issuance.
Advanced systems, including the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), enable real-time analysis of passenger data, supporting swift and targeted security interventions.
NIS Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap commended the 123 newly inducted officers, who represent the first group trained to operate the Command and Control Centre.
She emphasized the importance of the unit to national security and urged officers to perform their duties diligently, adding the centre’s success depends on their vigilance.
According to her, the Command and Control Centre represent a significant step in reinforcing Nigeria’s security, with further plans for the inauguration of e-gates at major airports by President Bola Tinubu.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
