Terrorism: Immigration Boss Seeks Access to INTERPOL Database Portal

By Dele Ogbodo in Abuja

The Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI), Mr. Muhammad Babandede, on Sunday said having to access to the International Police (INTERPOL) I-24/7 database portal will facilitate success in the current war against terrorism, insurgency and other organized crimes across the country.

This was contained a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of NIS, Mr. Ekpedeme King, on behalf of his boss when Babandede hosted the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, weekend in Abuja.

On access to INTERPOL portal, he said:  “It is imperative because NIS provides the frontline officers at our land, sea and air borders in the security architecture of Nigeria as in other countries.

“Therefore, access to the INTERPOL database will improve our border security considerably. The INTERPOL I-24/7 network enables the 190 member countries to search and cross-check data of suspected criminals, wanted persons, stolen or lost travel documents within seconds.”

According to Babandede, the INTERPOL I-24/7 is installed at all 190 National Central Bureaus which are under the Police, adding that  in realization that in some countries Immigration and Customs are not under the Police, INTERPOL is now focusing on extending access to these other agencies.

Access to INTERPOL database, according to the Immigration boss, will be most welcome the CGI said NIS has achieved tremendous success in border control at the airports through the Electronic Passenger Registration System (e-pars).

More to follow