10 Wanted Interpol Suspects Arrested in One Week, Says FG

The Federal Government has announced that security operatives successfully apprehended 10 individuals on INTERPOL’s watch list within just one week of their attempt to enter Nigeria. This was revealed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the inauguration of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Technology Innovation Complex in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Tunji-Ojo, these arrests mark a significant achievement in the government’s ongoing efforts to secure the country. “In the last couple of days, there were 10 people who were on the INTERPOL and immigration wanted list who were apprehended in one week,” the minister said, as quoted by TheCable. He emphasized that, previously, such individuals would have entered Nigeria undetected, potentially causing harm. However, under the new leadership, he assured that Nigeria is now a “no-go area for any criminal element.”

The newly inaugurated NIS Technology Innovation Complex is designed to enhance border security and immigration controls. The facility will assess the risk level of individuals entering the country, detect irregular migration patterns, and monitor borders, particularly in difficult-to-reach areas. Tunji-Ojo also highlighted the complex’s sustainability, noting that its 0.5KW solar power station would save Nigeria over N300 million annually.

“We decided to do an end-to-end solution. One that has an energy solution to power this facility. The 0.5KW solar power plant is 100 percent ready here, and it has been connected to the facility to power it,” the minister explained. He also pointed out the importance of human resource development in the project, with 250 officers trained to provide 24/7 surveillance through shifts.

During the inauguration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended the NIS for its innovative approach to border security. He praised the state-of-the-art data-driven passenger surveillance system that played a key role in flagging and arresting the 10 suspects in just one week. The complex, which includes the NIS Data Centre, ECOWAS biometric card production centre, and other critical facilities, is designed to improve security by profiling high-risk passengers, identifying suspicious travel patterns, and enhancing video surveillance along the borders.

The president also noted that the new Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC) would further link key government agencies to strengthen national security. He outlined plans to implement a new passport regime by 2025, recognizing the importance of passports as security documents.

“This state-of-the-art complex will help Nigeria harness technology to drive development,” President Tinubu concluded, emphasizing the country’s growing reputation in both ECOWAS and the global community.