The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has stated that criminals on the red list of the International Police were arrested at Nigerian airports.
Speaking at a regional workshop on maritime border security held in Lagos, Tunji-Ojo explained that the arrests were carried out within a span of just two days, thanks to improved surveillance tools and a stronger data system at Nigeria’s border control points. He said the arrests involved individuals who were wanted in several European countries.
“Now, it will interest you that a couple of weeks ago, within two days, a lot of people on the Interpol and red list were arrested at our airports. It means that these people would have come in,” he said. “One came from Italy, one came from Ireland, the other one, I think, from a couple of countries.”
The Minister noted that significant progress had been made in developing a more effective immigration database. He credited these advancements to investments in technology and coordination efforts across Nigeria’s international airports.
He also revealed that Nigeria now has an Advanced Passenger Information (API) system, which helps authorities pre-screen travelers before they arrive in the country. This tool allows immigration officials to assess passengers’ histories and connections before they even step foot on Nigerian soil.
“Now, we can tell you that Nigeria now has an API solution. We never had that before now… Before now, we were one of the few countries without an API solution,” Tunji-Ojo noted.
According to him, the new system is part of broader reforms introduced since President Bola Tinubu assumed office. These updates make it easier to fulfill global obligations, including those laid out by the United Nations.
Also present at the event was the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, who shared insights into the agency’s role in safeguarding the nation’s borders. She noted that illegal maritime activities—such as oil theft, piracy, and unauthorized fishing—pose serious threats to national and regional security.
Nandap stressed the importance of continued collaboration and information sharing among Gulf of Guinea nations to counter these dangers.
