Nigeria Nabs INTERPOL Red List Fugitives at Airports in Major Security Sweep

By iNewsAfrica | Lagos Bureau | May 22, 2025

In Summary:

Nigeria’s border security has scored a major breakthrough as multiple high-profile international fugitives on INTERPOL’s Red Notice were intercepted and arrested at Nigerian airports. The arrests come amid new intelligence-led screening operations initiated by the Federal Ministry of Interior.

In Brief:

• Who: Several suspects listed on INTERPOL’s Red Notice

• Where: Nigerian international airports

• When: Within a two-day security operation

• How: Through the Advanced Passenger Information (API) system, enabling real-time pre-arrival screening

• From: Italy, Republic of Ireland, and other countries

• Led by: Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

• Why it matters: Marks Nigeria’s growing capability in transnational crime interception and global law enforcement collaboration

Full Report:

In a decisive move to tighten national security and combat cross-border crime, Nigeria has arrested multiple fugitives flagged by INTERPOL’s Red Notice at major international airports. The arrests occurred within a two-day operation led by the Ministry of Interior, targeting passengers arriving from countries such as Italy and the Republic of Ireland.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo credited the breakthrough to Nigeria’s adoption of the Advanced Passenger Information (API) system. This technology enables security agencies to vet travelers before they even land, assessing criminal backgrounds and global alerts in real time.

“These arrests show our commitment to international policing standards and securing our borders from global threats,” said the Minister.

The identities of the suspects remain undisclosed, but the operation signals Nigeria’s growing efficiency in fulfilling international security obligations, especially under UN mandates for border control. Authorities say this is part of a broader national effort to disrupt organized crime, human trafficking, and terrorism within the West African subregion, particularly around the Gulf of Guinea.

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