Posted by Chinenye on Fri 13th Nov, 2026 - tori.ng
The Nigeria Immigration Service says it will increase security at the country's borders before the 2027 elections to stop foreigners, illegal weapons and troublemakers from entering Nigeria.
(General Kemi Nandap. Photo by Wikipedia)
The Nigeria Immigration Service says it will tighten border surveillance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Security agencies have warned that foreign mercenaries and illegal arms could try to sneak into the country to disrupt the process.
Comptroller General Kemi Nandap made the pledge in Abuja on Friday at a workshop on election security for senior officers.
The theme was "The strategic role of the NIS in Election Monitoring and Intimidation."
She was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Visa and Residency, Dr Franca Usiwoma Nwanneka.
Nwanneka said the service sits at the front of the country's security system because it guards the borders and manages migration.
She warned against irregular migration, human trafficking, migrant smuggling and other cross border crimes that could undermine national security.
She stressed that no single agency can handle the country's security challenges alone.
Usiwoma also thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and other security agencies for their partnership.
She also warned staff that the immigration service must stay non partisan.
She said no officer should use official resources to push any political interest.
Franca told commands to get ready before, during and after the elections by stepping up surveillance, gathering intelligence, deploying staff well and working closely with other agencies.
She also asked senior officers to take part actively and produce results in the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director General of the Department of State Services, said election periods often bring attempts to smuggle in illegal arms and mercenaries.
He was represented by his deputy for operations and intelligence, Patrick Ikenweiwe.
Ajayi said the DSS will keep working closely with immigration, especially at land borders and entry points, and called on supervisors to stay neutral and professional.
David Ojelabi, representing the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, said early preparation is a national security must.
He listed preventing foreign interference and controlling land, air and sea entry points among the key roles in the election process.