FG moves against migrant smugglers, cyber-criminals with new Immigration framework

Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an initiative to harmonize the rapid technological advancements in the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS with a robust legal framework to effectively tackle smuggling, human trafficking and cyber-enabled transnational crimes.

Government emphasized that while the Service has made “giant strides” in deploying digital tools, these must remain anchored in the rule of law.

Comptroller General of Immigration Service CGIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap, said this in Abuja during the flag off of the NIS inaugural Law Week 2026.

The event, themed “Leveraging Technology and Strengthening Legal-Operational Framework for a Secure and Efficient Immigration Service,” marks the first time the Service’s Legal Unit has organized a dedicated week for professional reflection and capacity building.

According to her, some of the technology-based initiatives include the Migration Information and Data Analysis System MIDAS; digital surveillance tools at land borders and e-Gates at international airports; Advanced Passenger Information API and Passenger Name Record PNR systems for proactive traveler profiling. 

“It is imperative that such giant strides made are in tandem with statutory provisions of the law.

“We must strengthen our legal-operational framework to address emerging issues such as cyber-enabled crimes, smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons”, she stated. 

Represented by Afolayan Ayeni the deputy comptroller general in charge of Human Resources Management, the CGIS said that technology, while transformative, has introduced new risks.

She stressed that the Legal Unit’s role is “crucial in ensuring that our operations are guided by the principles of law,” urging for closer collaboration between legal officers and other directorates.

Director of Legal Services, Oluwatoyin Yusuf, described the Law Week as a “significant milestone in the institutional development of our Service.”

“Our role as the Legal Services Unit is not only to interpret and apply the law, but also to ensure that innovation within the Service is firmly anchored on a sound legal framework that promotes efficiency, transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law,” Yusuf said. 

The week-long programme includes an intensive sensitization rally and training sessions designed to equip personnel with the legal nuances of modern immigration.

The training covers aspects such as the legal basis for the issuance, refusal and withdrawal of passports; procedures for watch-listing, seizure and restriction of movement; data integrity and the legal validity of travel documents; as well as, due process and fair hearing in suspect detention and complaint management.

The Service expressed its intention to make the Law Week an annual event, ensuring that the “next generation of legally and technologically astute immigration officers” is prepared to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity in an increasingly digital world.