The Federal Government has disclosed the successful apprehension of two individuals featured on Interpol’s Red Notice, arrested in separate operations across Nigeria.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed these arrests during the 5th Ministerial Press Briefing held in Abuja on Thursday. He stated that “the first suspect was apprehended in Abuja three days ago, while the second wanted individual was nabbed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos last week.”
The minister emphasized that these arrests are indicative of a significant shift in the country’s law enforcement strategies and highlight the enhanced security at Nigeria’s borders. He firmly asserted that “A secured border is a safe nation”.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo explained that the government has been actively bolstering border security through the construction of new border posts and the deployment of officers to monitor migration effectively. He also highlighted the establishment of a command and control center by the Nigerian Immigration Service, which integrates real-time global security data.
In an effort to alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities, Tunji-Ojo announced the release of over 4,082 minor offenders, resulting in annual savings exceeding ₦1 billion. He also announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved an increase in the feeding allowances for inmates.
The minister addressed the issue of correctional centers located in close proximity to residential areas, noting that sites in Uyo and Suleja, among others, do not meet the required distance standards. He also detailed ongoing renovations across more than 240 correctional facilities, some of which are over 50 years old, including one built in 1914, encompassing over 3,000 buildings.
Regarding security within these facilities, Tunji-Ojo reported “two recorded jailbreaks under the current administration,” but clarified that no attacks on correctional facilities had occurred. He praised the effectiveness of a proactive policing system that facilitated the swift recapture of inmates who escaped from Suleja Prison due to flooding.
Tunji-Ojo also reported the destruction of over 2,125 illegal mining sites and the training of more than 10,000 Agro Rangers by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to protect agricultural interests and mediate conflicts between farmers and herders.
The minister further acknowledged the challenges facing the current administration in revitalizing the nation’s security architecture, emphasizing the need for enhanced training and equipment for paramilitary forces to improve internal security.
