Nigeria calls for regional cooperation on border security as 51 illegal immigrants nabbed in Nasarawa

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for greater collaboration among West African and Sahel countries to enhance border security and combat organized immigration crimes.

Speaking at the Summit on Border Security in London on Tuesday, Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for proactive measures, data-sharing, and international partnerships to prevent irregular migration rather than merely reacting to its consequences.

“We must work together as a region,” Tunji-Ojo told reporters. “Organized immigration crimes are not unique to any single country—they cut across borders. Stronger data-sharing mechanisms and better collaborations will ensure we don’t just address the problem when it arises but stop it from happening in the first place.”

The minister highlighted Nigeria’s strides in border control, noting that the country has automated its immigration processes to curb illegal migration. “Nigeria is not just a destination point for migrants; we are taking steps to secure our borders and prevent irregular migration before it escalates,” he said. “We cannot afford to lose the battle before we even start it.”

The UK-hosted summit, which gathered over 30 global leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, focused on tackling human trafficking, border security, and international migration policies.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced the arrest of 51 illegal immigrants in Nasarawa State. According to NIS spokesperson A.S. Akinlabi, the individuals who were apprehended in New Nyanya, Karu Local Government Area are all Malian nationals between the ages of 17 and 25.

“Among those arrested, 11 are female, while 40 are male,” Akinlabi said. “None of them possessed valid travel documents or residence permits, and preliminary investigations suggest they may be victims of human trafficking and migrant smuggling.”

The detained migrants have been placed in NIS custody for further profiling and investigation. Authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding their arrival in Nigeria and whether they were part of a larger trafficking network.

Nigeria’s recent arrests underscore the country’s ongoing challenges in managing migration and border security. As West Africa grapples with increasing cases of human trafficking and irregular migration, experts stress the importance of regional cooperation aligning with Tunji-Ojo’s call for a unified approach.

“The battle against human trafficking and illegal migration cannot be fought in isolation,” Tunji-Ojo said. “With stronger partnerships, shared intelligence, and firm enforcement, we can protect our borders and, most importantly, safeguard human lives.”

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