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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Nigeria Immigration Service deploys technology to combat irregular migration

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is using advanced technology and surveillance to combat irregular migration.
  • The NIS reports success in intercepting illegal movements and reducing the use of land routes for irregular migration.
  • Officials cite leadership failure and a lack of public awareness about the dangers of irregular migration as key challenges.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has intensified its efforts to curb irregular migration and migrant smuggling by deploying advanced technology and enhancing surveillance across the country's borders. According to the Service Public Relations Officer, Mr. Akinsola Akinlabi, these measures have led to significant successes in detecting and preventing the illegal movement of people.

Akinlabi highlighted that sustained border patrol operations and surveillance mechanisms have enabled border officers to consistently intercept irregular migrants attempting to enter or leave Nigeria through unauthorized routes. "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 stated.

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.

— Akinsola AkinlabiDescribing the impact of enhanced border security measures.

The NIS has implemented a Border Surveillance Architecture designed to monitor remote and difficult terrains, allowing for the identification of frequently used irregular migration routes. Assets are then strategically deployed to these locations to intercept individuals. The service's mandate focuses on border security and preventing migrant smuggling, covering both inbound and outbound movements.

Despite these successes, Akinlabi acknowledged that irregular migration remains a complex societal issue requiring collective action. He noted that a major obstacle is the public's failure to fully appreciate the risks associated with irregular migration. "We see irregular migration as a societal problem because many people do not understand the dangers associated with it," he explained. The federal government continues to support the NIS with operational tools and resources to manage these challenges.

We see irregular migration as a societal problem because many people do not understand the dangers associated with it.

— Akinsola AkinlabiExplaining challenges in combating irregular migration.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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