Nigeria’s advanced border security technology apprehends 10 INTERPOL-listed suspects, marking a new era of surveillance and national protection.

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria has taken a major leap forward in border security as the federal government announced the recent arrest of 10 individuals flagged on INTERPOL’s watch list.

The suspects were apprehended while attempting to enter the country, a significant achievement credited to the deployment of cutting-edge surveillance systems.

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The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed the development during the inauguration of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Technology Innovation Complex in Abuja, presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tunji-Ojo affirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities, stating, “Nigeria is now a no-go area for any criminal elements.”

The complex features state-of-the-art facilities, including a command and control centre, a data centre, an ECOWAS biometric card production hub, an Interior Data Centre, and a solar power plant.

These innovations have transformed Nigeria’s ability to identify individuals of interest, detect irregular migration patterns, and secure its porous borders.

Tunji-Ojo highlighted the economic and operational advantages of the new system. The fully operational 0.5KW solar plant powering the complex is projected to save over N300 million annually.

Furthermore, 250 officers have been trained to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of border activities, marking a shift towards 24/7 surveillance and operational efficiency.

In addition to arresting INTERPOL-listed suspects, the technology has introduced an automated visa regime that promises 48-hour approval and an ECOWAS travel document to facilitate regional mobility.

The Minister expressed optimism about saving billions of naira previously lost due to inefficiencies.

President Tinubu lauded the new passenger surveillance system as a game-changer. In just one week, it successfully profiled and tracked high-risk individuals, preventing potential threats.

The system also integrates data with international organisations, enhancing Nigeria’s global collaboration on security.

The newly commissioned Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC) places Nigeria among six African nations with integrated passenger security systems.

First conceptualised 18 years ago under former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, the project has now come to fruition, blending advanced technology with Nigeria’s security framework.

Tinubu also outlined the government’s ambition to transition to a 100% new passport regime by 2025, recognising the passport as an essential security tool.

Kemi Nanna Nandap, the Comptroller-General of the NIS, stated that BATTIC’s primary objective is to enhance data management and border security through innovative technology.

She emphasised that the complex sets a new standard in protecting national interests.

Source: Read more at gazettengr.com