The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended some officers and ordered an investigation following reports of extortion along the Lagos-Seme border corridor.
The Comptroller-General of the service, Mrs Kemi Nandap, directed that the commanding officers of the affected commands be temporarily relieved of their duties after online reports alleged misconduct by personnel.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, on Friday, the service said Nandap “unequivocally condemns the actions depicted in these reports, as such conduct is unacceptable and stands in direct violation of the core values, ethics, and operational standards of the Service.”
The statement did not state how many officers were affected or name the commands involved, but noted that the investigation would identify “all officers involved” to ensure “appropriate disciplinary measures are applied with immediate effect.”
The Lagos-Seme corridor, which connects Nigeria to the Republic of Benin at the Seme land border in Lagos State, remains a major route for goods, traders, and travellers across West Africa.
The route has also been linked to repeated complaints of harassment and extortion by officials stationed there.
The issue gained attention again after videos and reports shared online showed alleged cases of extortion involving immigration personnel.
Nandap, who assumed office in January 2024, had earlier said her leadership would focus on discipline and accountability within the service.
ALSO READ: Immigration gives updates on paramilitary recruitment exercise
At the decoration of newly promoted comptrollers earlier this year, she urged officers to uphold the integrity of the service.
The NIS, in Friday’s statement, said it remains committed to “professional, transparent, and efficient services at all points of entry and exit,” adding that it “will not condone any act that undermines public trust or tarnishes the integrity of the Service.”
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains resolute in its mission to serve with integrity, discipline, and professionalism while facilitating lawful migration,” the statement added.
The service also urged members of the public to report any misconduct through its official social media platforms or its 24-hour contact centre lines.