April 10, (THEWILL) — In a decisive and reform-driven response to allegations of misconduct, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into reported cases of extortion along the Lagos-Seme border corridor, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and institutional integrity.
The Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, has ordered the immediate suspension of comptrollers overseeing the affected commands.
The move, according to the Service, is intended to ensure a transparent and unhindered investigation into the allegations, which recently surfaced through online reports and public complaints.
The Lagos-Seme border corridor, a critical gateway for regional trade and migration between Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries, has come under scrutiny following claims of widespread extortion by some personnel.
Responding swiftly, the NIS leadership condemned the alleged actions, describing them as unacceptable and contrary to the core values and operational standards of the Service.
In a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, the Comptroller General reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and misconduct.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service will not condone any act that undermines public trust or tarnishes the integrity of the institution. The actions depicted in the reports are in clear violation of our established codes of conduct and will be addressed decisively,” the statement read.
Akinlabi disclosed that a full-scale investigation has been directed to identify all officers involved in the alleged misconduct.
He assured that appropriate disciplinary measures would be applied promptly to any personnel found culpable, in line with the Service’s internal regulations and public service rules.
Beyond addressing the immediate allegations, the action reflects a broader institutional effort to strengthen accountability mechanisms and improve service delivery across Nigeria’s border points.
The NIS emphasized that maintaining discipline and professionalism remains central to its mandate of facilitating lawful migration while safeguarding national security.
The Service also reassured Nigerians and international travellers of its unwavering commitment to providing efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly services at all entry and exit points.
It stressed that any behaviour capable of eroding public confidence would be met with firm corrective action.
As part of its accountability drive, the NIS urged members of the public to report cases of misconduct through its 24-hour contact centre and official social media platforms.
These channels, the Service noted, are being enhanced to ensure timely response, proper documentation, and effective resolution of complaints.
“The ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Immigration Service are aimed at building a system that is responsive, transparent, and worthy of public trust. We urge citizens to partner with us by providing credible information that will help us uphold these standards,” Akinlabi added.
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