NIS to tighten legal framework against cybercrime, smuggling after borders tech upgrade

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced plans to strengthen its legal and operational framework to effectively tackle cyber-enabled crimes, migrant smuggling, and other transnational offences.

This was followed by the deployment of advanced technologies at the nation’s airports and border posts.

Kemi Nandap, Comptroller-General of the NIS, said on Monday that it had become imperative to complement the Service’s significant investments in cutting-edge border management technologies with robust legal instruments that would ensure swift investigation, prosecution, and punishment of offenders.

Nandap made the remarks while declaring open the maiden Nigeria Immigration Service Law Week Conference at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to her, the rapid evolution of technology and the increasing sophistication of cross-border crimes require a legal framework that is responsive, adaptive, and firmly grounded in the rule of law.

“It is important that the huge investments made in deploying cutting-edge technologies at our borders and airports are backed by strong legal mechanisms that can speedily address crimes and criminalities in migration management,” she said.

She described the theme of the conference, “Leveraging Technology and Strengthening Legal Operational Framework for a Secure and Efficient Immigration Service”, as apt and timely, particularly in the context of ongoing reforms within the Service.

The Comptroller-General assured that the NIS would continue to uphold professionalism, transparency, and accountability in the discharge of its statutory mandate, stressing that all operations would remain guided by extant laws and regulations.

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

The Nigeria Immigration Service is committed to working with relevant stakeholders to combat these transnational crimes and ensure that our borders are secured.

“We will also continue to build the capacity of our officers to investigate, prosecute, and prevent these crimes”, she said.

Nandap, who was represented at the event by Afolayan Ayeni, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources Management, said the Law Week marked the beginning of a new phase of excellence and enhanced professionalism within the Service.

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“Our goal is to provide secure and efficient services to the public while protecting the integrity of our borders. The Legal Unit has a vital role to play in achieving this objective,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, Oluwatoyin Yusuf, Director of Legal Services at the NIS, described the inaugural Law Week as a significant milestone in the history of the Service.

She noted that the theme of the conference directly reflects the realities of the present time and the strategic mandate of the NIS in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world.

“The theme speaks to the strategic position and mandate of the Service.

“We must continually adapt our legal and operational systems to keep pace with technological advancement and emerging global challenges,” Yusuf said.

According to her, the responsibility of the Legal Services Unit goes beyond interpreting and applying the law to ensuring that innovation within the Service is firmly anchored on a sound legal foundation that promotes efficiency, transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

“It is therefore imperative that our officers are equipped with up-to-date technological knowledge, sound judgment, and unwavering legal and ethical standards.

“The Law Week provides a valuable platform for reflection, learning, and professional engagement,” she added.

Yusuf commended the Comptroller-General for approving the Legal Week initiative for the first time in the history of the Service, noting that it would enable the department to identify gaps, review existing legal frameworks, and explore global best practices to strengthen immigration governance in Nigeria.