By Peter Dansu The Nigeria Immigration Service has suspended the commanding officers of affected commands along the Lagos-Seme border corri...
By Peter Dansu
The Nigeria Immigration Service has suspended the commanding officers of affected commands along the Lagos-Seme border corridor in Badagry following allegations of extortion levelled against some personnel stationed in the area.
The action was ordered by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap, after online videos and reports surfaced accusing officers along the border route of harassing and extorting travellers.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, Nandap said the officers had been temporarily relieved of their duties pending the outcome of an investigation.
According to the statement, the Comptroller-General also directed an immediate probe into the incidents in order to identify every officer involved and ensure that disciplinary action is taken without delay.
“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 read.
Although the service did not disclose the exact number of officers affected or the specific commands involved, it maintained that all personnel found culpable would face appropriate sanctions.
The Lagos-Seme corridor, which links Nigeria with the Republic of Benin through the Seme border in Lagos State, remains one of the busiest border routes in West Africa. The route serves thousands of travellers, cross-border traders and transport operators daily, making it a major gateway for commerce and migration.
Over the years, however, the corridor has repeatedly drawn complaints from road users over alleged harassment, intimidation and extortion by security and border officials.
The issue gained renewed attention in recent days after several videos circulated online showing travellers accusing immigration officers of demanding money at various checkpoints along the route.
The development has reignited public concern over misconduct at the nation’s borders and placed pressure on the Immigration Service to act swiftly.
Nandap, who assumed office as Comptroller-General in January 2024, has repeatedly stressed that discipline, accountability and professionalism would define her leadership.
Earlier this year, while decorating newly promoted comptrollers, she warned officers against acts capable of damaging the image of the service and urged them to uphold integrity in the discharge of their duties.
Reaffirming its stance in Friday’s statement, the Nigeria Immigration Service said it remains committed to delivering professional, transparent and efficient services at all entry and exit points across the country.
The service added that it would not tolerate any act capable of eroding public confidence or bringing the agency into disrepute.
“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 called on members of the public to report any case of misconduct by officers through its official social media platforms on X, Instagram and Facebook using the handle @nigimmigration.
Members of the public can also make reports through the service’s 24-hour contact centre lines: 09121900655, 09121556359 and 09121477092.
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