The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Department of State Services (DSS) are set to fortify border security measures to avert foreign interference and irregular migration ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. This initiative was announced during the kickoff of the 2027 General Elections Sensitisation Programme at the NIS headquarters in Abuja.
At the event, senior officials from both agencies emphasized the necessity of intelligence sharing and coordinated operations to protect Nigeria’s electoral integrity. The Comptroller-General of Immigration, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General Franca Usiwoma Nwanneka, highlighted the importance of vigilance from immigration personnel during this critical period. She stated that the challenges posed by irregular migration and related criminal activities could have devastating effects on national security if not managed properly.
Nwanneka called for collective vigilance and asserted that no single security agency could effectively tackle the complex challenges the nation faces. She underscored the need for strict political neutrality among immigration officers to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
During the proceedings, DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi reiterated the DSS’s commitment to working closely with the NIS to ensure secure borders throughout the election period. He expressed concerns that electoral events could attract individuals aiming to exploit weaknesses in border security.
Ajayi stressed that the effectiveness of the Immigration Service is crucial for maintaining a peaceful electoral environment, suggesting that cooperation and accountability between agencies will be vital in the months leading up to the elections. The collaboration aims to ensure that all eligible citizens can exercise their voting rights in a secure atmosphere.
