Nigeria Promotes 70,000 Paramilitary Officers, Deploys High-Tech Immigration Centre to Tighten Border Control

By: Michael Mike

In a sweeping show of reform across Nigeria’s internal security architecture, the Federal Government has promoted more than 70,000 paramilitary officers within three years and launched a technology-driven Integrated Operating Centre to track immigration violators in real time.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the twin developments in Abuja while declaring open the 2026 Sectoral Performance Retreat for agencies under the Ministry of Interior. The retreat, held at the Nigeria Army Conference Centre, was themed “Accountable Leadership, Measurable Impacts: Reviewing Results, Renewing Commitments.”

Tunji-Ojo described the mass promotion exercise as unprecedented, saying it reflects the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to improve morale and restore professionalism across the paramilitary services.

“Only yesterday, I approved the 2026 promotion of personnel across all agencies under the Ministry. By April and May, the implementation will commence,” the minister said, urging officers to reciprocate government’s support with discipline, patriotism and improved service delivery.

In what observers see as a major shift toward data-driven border management, Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has inaugurated an Integrated Operating Centre (IOC) equipped with sophisticated surveillance and data harmonisation tools.

According to him, the centre provides real-time intelligence on foreigners who have overstayed their visas, with historical data covering up to a decade.

“With the kind of sophisticated gadgets and equipment now in place, the Immigration Service has become a strong internal security enabler. The Service will go after those who have overstayed. It is no longer business as usual,” he declared.

The minister said the deployment of advanced analytics and harmonised databases has placed persons of interest squarely on government radar, reinforcing efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders and sanitise its migration system.

As part of ongoing reforms, he revealed that seven new Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) have been established to strengthen border surveillance and migration management nationwide. He commended the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap, for what he described as visionary leadership in modernising the Service.

The minister also applauded the efforts of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), and the Federal Fire Service (FFS), but warned that commendation must not breed complacency.

He tasked the NSCDC with intensifying protection of critical national infrastructure, including oil pipelines, solid mineral sites, schools and hospitals, stressing that the corps “cannot be run like a volunteer service.” He urged its Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, to submit a clear operational roadmap following his reappointment.

On correctional reforms, Tunji-Ojo insisted that efforts must go beyond custodial management to ensure rehabilitation and reintegration, warning that repeat offending signals systemic failure.

“If offenders complete their sentences and return to crime, then we have not succeeded,” he said.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, described the retreat as a critical platform for reviewing stewardship and aligning performance with national priorities. She said the Ministry carries enormous responsibility in border management, citizenship administration and internal security, all of which directly affect the daily lives of Nigerians.

Ajani stressed the need to align operations with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, encouraging openness to constructive criticism and innovative thinking.

She expressed confidence that the retreat would produce a concrete roadmap to guide the Ministry’s agencies in delivering measurable results in the year ahead.

The dual announcement of mass promotions and high-tech border surveillance signals a government intent on pairing welfare reforms with operational efficiency — a strategy officials say is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s security framework in an era of complex internal and cross-border threats.

Nigeria Promotes 70,000 Paramilitary Officers, Deploys High-Tech Immigration Centre to Tighten Border Control

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA neutralise two terrorists, recover weapons in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 17 Brigade, Operation FANSAN YANMA of the Nigerian Army, on March 4, 2026, successfully engaged terrorists during clearance operations at notorious hideouts in Barkishi Maiha Gumma, Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that In the ensuing gun battle, the troops overpowered the terrorists, neutralising two insurgents and recovering one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, four rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a matchete, a Tecno phone, and two extra phone batteries.

There were no casualties among the troops.

The sources said that the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Maj. Gen. Paul Koughna, commended the troops for their bravery and urged continued operations to completely eliminate terrorist threats in the region.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA neutralise two terrorists, recover weapons in Katsina

NDLEA Insists Drug Case Against Abba Kyari Continues Despite Court Discharge

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reaffirmed that its substantive drug trafficking case against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, remains firmly on track, clarifying that recent court proceedings discharging him on a separate matter do not affect the ongoing trial.

The agency said the core drug case is scheduled to continue before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, March 16, 2026.

NDLEA’s clarification follows the decision of Justice James Omotosho, who discharged Kyari in a 23-count charge relating to alleged money laundering and non-declaration of assets. The anti-narcotics agency stressed that the ruling pertains to a different case and should not be confused with the main drug prosecution.

Reacting to inquiries on whether the agency would challenge the ruling, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, explained that the prosecution team has been directed to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before determining the next legal step.

He emphasized that the matter decided by Justice Omotosho is distinct from the substantive drug charges pending before Justice Nwite, noting that the latter remains active and unaffected.

The spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi in a statement on Thursday, said: “First, I need to clarify that the ruling by Justice Omotosho is completely different from the main and substantive drug case which continues before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, March 16, 2026. That one is very much on course.”

He added that the prosecution team would review the detailed judgment upon receipt of the CTC to guide the agency’s management in deciding whether an appeal is warranted.

The development underscores the complex legal battles facing the suspended senior police officer, as the NDLEA maintains its resolve to pursue the substantive drug allegations to their conclusion in court.

NDLEA Insists Drug Case Against Abba Kyari Continues Despite Court Discharge