Nigeria Steps Up Border Security With Inauguration Of Command And Control Centre

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has officially launched its new Command and Control Centre, which will monitor and secure the country’s borders using cutting-edge technology.

Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, inaugurated the centre on Monday, and 123 officers were inducted to operate it.

The centre, located at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja, is intended to improve border control, security, and governance by offering real-time data analysis and advanced passenger information system (APIS) capabilities.

This technology enables the pre-profiling of passengers and the detection of potential threats before they arrive in Nigeria.

“The facilities here have the capacity and capability of pre-profiling passengers and picking up persons of interest anywhere in the world,” stated Minister Tunji-Ojo, emphasizing the centre’s global reach and integration with international security agencies such as Interpol.

He also announced the upcoming commissioning of newly installed e-gates at Lagos and Abuja airports, further strengthening border security measures.

The centre operates 24/7, monitoring land, maritime, and air borders.

This is crucial considering Nigeria’s strategic location, bordering ten countries in the Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea, where significant oil production occurs.

“Nigeria is deprived of the luxury that other countries in Africa have,” said Tunji-Ojo, highlighting the need for robust border security given the country’s geographic position.

The inauguration marks a significant shift in the role of the NIS, moving beyond simply issuing travel documents to becoming an integral part of the nation’s security architecture.

The Command and Control Centre, with its advanced technology and trained personnel, will play a vital role in combating irregular migration, terrorism, and other security threats.

“The NIS is now a crucial component of the National Security Architecture of Nigeria,” declared Tunji-Ojo.

“We have here, the NIS that is determined to implement its responsibility.

Nigeria Security now depends on you, especially with the infrastructures and facilities in place at the Command and Control Centre.”

The inducted officers will undergo further training in data analysis and travel planning, ensuring a high level of expertise in operating the centre’s advanced technology.

The inauguration of the Command and Control Centre represents a major investment in national security, underscoring the Nigerian government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and safeguarding its borders.