The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, has ordered the temporary removal of commanding officers along the Lagos–Seme border corridor following allegations of extortion involving some personnel of the service.
She also directed an immediate investigation into the reports, which surfaced online and sparked public concern.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, the Comptroller-General strongly condemned the alleged misconduct, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of the agency’s core values, ethics, and operational standards.
Although the statement did not disclose the exact number of officers affected or the specific commands involved, it noted that all personnel linked to the allegations would be identified and subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.
The Lagos–Seme border corridor, which connects Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, is one of the busiest entry and exit points in West Africa. It handles heavy movement of goods, traders, and travellers, and has long faced complaints over alleged harassment and extortion by security officials stationed there.
In recent years, the corridor has remained a sensitive point for border management, especially after the temporary closure of Nigeria’s land borders between 2019 and 2020 as part of efforts to curb smuggling and illegal cross-border activities.
The Immigration Service said it remains committed to professionalism, transparency, and accountability, stressing that it will not tolerate any action capable of damaging public trust or the reputation of the institution.
It also encouraged members of the public to report misconduct through its official social media platforms and 24-hour contact lines, assuring that complaints would be treated promptly.
