The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended senior officers overseeing the Lagos-Seme border commands over alleged extortion.
In a statement on Friday, Akinsola Akinlabi, the NIS spokesperson, said the move followed online reports accusing some immigration officers along the Lagos-Seme corridor of misconduct bordering on extortion.
The spokesperson said Kemi Nandap, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, had “temporarily relieved the comptrollers in charge of the affected commands of their duties” pending the outcome of a probe into the incidents.
Akinlabi said Nandap unequivocally condemned the actions depicted in the reports, describing them as “unacceptable” and in direct violation of the core values, ethics, and operational standards of the service.
The statement added that the investigation would be comprehensive, aimed at identifying all officers involved and ensuring that “appropriate disciplinary measures are applied with immediate effect”.
“The service wishes to reassure the general public that it remains committed to delivering professional, transparent, and efficient services at all points of entry and exit,” the statement said.
“It will not condone any act that undermines public trust or tarnishes the integrity of the service.”
The NIS also urged Nigerians to report misconduct by its officers through official channels, including its social media platforms and 24-hour contact centre lines, noting that internal mechanisms were being strengthened to uphold service standards.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains resolute in its mission to serve with integrity, discipline, and professionalism while facilitating lawful migration,” Akinlabi added.
