Nigeria’s immigration authorities have issued a stern warning to criminals seeking to evade justice by fleeing the country, declaring that enhanced surveillance technology and inter-agency collaboration have closed potential escape routes. Aliyu Akadri, Comptroller of the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), emphasized during a meeting with Lagos Police Commissioner Olohundare Jimoh that upgraded federal resources now enable real-time monitoring of border movements.
The bilateral meeting, held at the Lagos police headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday, focused on deepening cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat cross-border crime. Akadri revealed that the Federal Government has equipped immigration officials with advanced security tools, making it “impossible for fugitives to slip through borders unnoticed.” He stressed that court-issued warrants trigger immediate alerts across NIS systems, leaving no loopholes for those attempting to exit illegally. “Criminals plotting to escape should reconsider,” he stated. “Even through illicit routes, they will be caught.”
Akadri underscored the necessity of joint intelligence efforts, describing the NIS and police as interdependent forces in national security. “No single agency can tackle crime alone,” he said, adding that the meeting aimed to formalize data-sharing protocols and operational coordination. Regular exchanges of intelligence reports, he noted, would streamline responses to security threats across Lagos and Nigeria.
Commissioner Jimoh echoed these sentiments, affirming the long-standing partnership between the two agencies and pledging to amplify collaborative measures. “Daily, our teams work side by side to protect citizens and visitors,” he said. “This dialogue strengthens our unified mission to safeguard Nigeria.” He highlighted plans to prioritize coordinated operations, ensuring seamless communication to address emerging challenges.
The officials’ remarks come amid broader efforts to tighten national security amid regional instability. Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub and a key transit point, faces heightened risks from organized crime and human trafficking. The integration of technology and inter-agency strategies reflects a proactive approach to deterring criminal networks while assuring residents and international observers of reinforced protective measures.
Both leaders rejected siloed approaches to law enforcement, framing their alliance as critical to Nigeria’s stability. “Every security body shares one objective: defending the nation,” Akadri said. The meeting concluded with commitments to regular strategy sessions, public awareness campaigns, and leveraging federal investments in surveillance infrastructure to uphold border integrity.
