By James Sunday, FCAI, MNIIA
Nigeria is currently faced with diverse security challenges, from Boko Haram terrorist activities in the North East, to banditry and terrorism in the North West and North Central regions. Other emerging threats include the persistent farmers-herders clashes and the presence of sleeper cells of evolving terrorist groups across the country, such as Lakurawa in parts of Kwara and Kebbi States, and Wolu Wolu in parts of Nasarawa State, as recently mentioned by the Executive Governor.
Kidnapping for ransom, which was one of the earliest threats to national security, started in the Niger Delta creeks during the days of militancy. Today, it has spread across the country, becoming a grave national concern.
Recently, on 10 December 2024, security operatives in Lagos arrested a total of 759 people at a residence housing a Ponzi scheme operation under the name Genting International Company Limited, located on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The syndicate was involved in cyber fraud and related Ponzi schemes run by individuals of different nationalities, including Nigerians. The perpetrators defrauded institutions and unsuspecting individuals of their earnings. The illegal operation was controlled primarily by foreign nationals, mostly from China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Tunisia. Following a coordinated operation, the network was disrupted, and mass arrests were made.
Those arrested were prosecuted, and the foreign offenders have since been deported to their respective countries. However, beyond these deportations, we must ask: What lessons have been learned, and what preventive measures have been implemented?
As experts in border security and migration management, we recommend the following:
A comprehensive blacklist of all deported foreign nationals, placing them on a watchlist to prevent their re-entry into Nigeria for the period prescribed under the Immigration Act.
Blacklisting of the company (Genting International Company Limited) registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, as well as revocation of its operating licenses to prevent re-registration under another guise.
While these measures are important, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) must also intensify its routine company inspection and monitoring exercises nationwide. This should not only be reactive – based on petitions or informants’ tips – but proactive, in line with the Service’s statutory mandates.
Furthermore, the process of visa issuance requires closer scrutiny. The Service must thoroughly assess applicants’ intentions before granting entry and ensure strict adherence to the stated purpose of visit. Without such vigilance, Nigeria will continue to experience repeated cycles of arrests, prosecutions, and deportations.
Officers and men of the NIS must be trained and retrained, equipped with surveillance vehicles, and supported by adequate manpower, especially in the areas of investigation, intelligence gathering, and internal control within the country.
Border control and migration management involve three layers of control:
- Pre-entry control – conducted in the applicant’s country of origin or residence before a visa is issued.
- Entry control – at airports, land borders, and seaports upon arrival.
- Post-entry control – through internal monitoring mechanisms established across Nigeria by the NIS.
To enhance efficiency across these layers, the Federal Government must prioritize improved unding for the Service, provision of modern patrol vehicles, and upgrading of training institutions to meet global standards. Recruitment should also focus on individuals with expertise in Migration Studies, Security and Intelligence, Criminology, Psychology, and Cybersecurity to strengthen the Service’s professional capacity.
Additionally, retired officers with sound knowledge and experience in immigration matters can be re-engaged on a contract basis as trainers, similar to practices in the military and other security institutions within Nigeria and globally. This will enrich the NIS training system and improve operational competence.
Nigeria’s security and migration management challenges demand proactive, professional, and globally aligned responses. Strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing vigilance, and ensuring synergy among security agencies will remain key to safeguarding our borders and maintaining national integrity.