Wanted Criminals from Europe Arrested in Nigeria — Tunji-Ojo

Criminals on the INTERPOL red list have been apprehended at Nigerian airports, according to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Speaking in Lagos at a regional workshop on Maritime Border Security, the minister disclosed that individuals wanted by European countries, including Italy and Ireland, were intercepted within two days of attempting to enter Nigeria.

Tunji-Ojo attributed the arrests to the country’s recent investments in surveillance and intelligence-gathering systems at national border points. He highlighted that the integration of Nigeria’s air terminals into a centralized system has significantly strengthened border security. “It will interest you that a couple of weeks ago, within two days, a lot of people on the INTERPOL red list were arrested at our airports. These people would have entered the country undetected in the past,” he said.

The minister emphasized that Nigeria now operates with an Advanced Passenger Information (API) system that allows immigration officers to profile incoming passengers by analyzing their background, records, and travel history before arrival. “We never had that capacity before President Bola Tinubu came on board. But today, we know everything about travelers before they arrive,” Tunji-Ojo stated. He added that this technological advancement has enabled Nigeria to fulfill its international obligations and align with UN resolutions.

In her remarks, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, stressed the Service’s role in countering maritime border threats. She cited illegal activities such as oil bunkering, piracy, and armed robbery as key challenges, emphasizing that the Immigration Service remains committed to preventing foreign terrorist fighters and other criminals from compromising the nation’s territorial integrity.