The federal government announced the arrest and handover of several foreign nationals marked on Interpol’s surveillance list.
These individuals were arrested at various locations across the country and subsequently transferred to international priest authorities.
These arrests are made possible by integrating Nigeria’s Advanced Passenger Information System (API) with Interpol’s global security database. However, authorities have not disclosed specific details about the identity or allegations of the arrested person.
The news was presented in a joint news summary of Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN) and Interia Minister Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in Abuja.
Ministers noted that the arrests reflected the cooperation between its ministries and key agencies, including the Nigerian Immigration Agency (NIS), the Nigerian Federal Airport Authority (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Administration (NCAA).
The move is part of a broader strategy to improve national security, while ensuring effective passenger handling at both entrance and exit points, according to ministers.
In addition to the arrests, the government has launched a new E-VISA platform designed to eliminate travel bottlenecks and modern immigration procedures.
“The further evidence we’re doing here today shows the government’s commitment to inter-troop cooperation,” Keyamo said. “The introduction of electronic Visa is an important step in our efforts to streamline travel and enhance national security.”
Dr. Tunji-Ojo explains that the transition from manual to digital processes will significantly improve boundary control. He announced that starting from May 1, 2025, travelers will be required to complete landing and exit cards online before boarding, and then they must be given to the airline before departure.
He added that the NCAA and NIS will jointly develop the necessary regulatory frameworks and implementation protocols.
“These cards are completely free and are only used for security and data management,” Tunji-Ojo stressed. “We also eliminate unnecessary barriers from the visa process. Foreign nationals will no longer need to enter Nigeria through informal channels. Our goal is to open our borders to real tourists while maintaining strong security.”
The government also announced a three-month period of amnesty, starting from May 1, 2025, allowing foreigners or individuals to violate immigration laws to formalize their identities without penalty.
The interior minister revealed during a recent arrest that the API system has led to many intercepting people on the Interpol red list.
“These people who may have not previously noticed Nigeria were intercepted at the entrance point and handed over to Interpol. This progress reflects the goals that the agency could achieve when working together in the spirit of a regained hope agenda,” he said.
His conclusion is to reaffirm the importance of unified action: “This is something we can accomplish when we work under a national priority – protecting Nigeria’s security, sovereignty and integrity.”
