Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has intensified efforts to curb irregular migration as it partners with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Netherlands, to strengthen border security along Nigeria’s frontiers.
The collaboration was unveiled during a working visit by the ICMPD team to the NIS Seme and Lagos State Border Patrol Command on February 3, 2026.
The Comptroller General of Immigration, Mrs. Kemi Nandap, represented by the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of the Directorate, Mrs. Ngozi Adikpo, said the partnership would deploy a mobile rapid response project to support border patrol operations.
According to her, the initiative is designed to provide urgent intervention in cases of attacks or security threats, stressing that the project must be well-equipped and handled by properly trained personnel.
ICMPD Coordinator, Mr. Bornt Erzen, said the organisation plans to establish mobile patrol teams along Nigeria’s borders to strengthen the operational capacity of the NIS.
He noted that the programme had already commenced in sections of the Benin Republic border and is part of ICMPD’s broader support for ECOWAS countries to enhance border security.
Also speaking, the Assistant Comptroller General and Zonal Coordinator for Lagos and Ogun States, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, highlighted the command’s efforts in apprehension, sensitisation and counselling of victims of human trafficking.
He revealed that many female victims are trafficked for sex work, exposing them to serious health risks and other forms of exploitation, including organ trafficking.
In his remarks, the Comptroller of the Lagos State Border Patrol Command, Seme, Mr. Peter Adache, said Nigeria’s borders are not as porous as perceived but are inadequately manned.
He identified limited checkpoints, patrol vehicles, lack of boats for waterways and absence of aerial surveillance drones as major challenges, calling for stronger support to combat modern slavery, prostitution and child labour.
The visit was attended by community stakeholders, including traditional rulers, youth leaders and transport union representatives.
Reporting by Pentho Francis