Nigeria Immigration Service Cracks Down: 31 Officers Face Dismissals, Demotions, and Warnings in Major Disciplinary Purge

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has approved a sweeping array of disciplinary measures against 31 officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), following a thorough review of cases presented by the Board Disciplinary and General-Purpose Committee on 11 July 2025. This decisive action underscores the Board’s unwavering commitment to enforcing the highest standards of discipline and integrity across the services it oversees, aiming to restore public trust in the nation’s border management.

In a detailed breakdown of the decisions, eight officers have been summarily dismissed for grave misconduct and breaches of service regulations, while five others face compulsory retirement due to offences bordering on professional lapses. Eight personnel will be demoted by one rank, and five have received formal written warnings for their misconduct. The Board also dismissed appeals from two officers seeking to overturn their dismissals, citing a lack of merit, but granted reinstatement to one officer after a successful appeal and fully exonerated two others from the charges levelled against them.

Further highlighting the NIS’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality, the service announced the dismissal of two junior personnel—Aliyu Usman (Assistant Immigration I) and Chukwu Nancy Ngozi (Assistant Cadre Immigration)—for involvement in criminal conspiracy related to stealing, illegal possession of firearms, and proven allegations of kidnapping. These internal proceedings concluded on 14 April and 4 September 2025, respectively, ensuring swift justice within the ranks.

Under the vigilant oversight of CDCFIB Chairman and Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the NIS, led by Comptroller-General KN Nandap (PCC, MMIS, FSMN), reaffirmed its dedication to upholding exemplary ethical and professional conduct at all levels. The service assured the public that these measures will be implemented impartially, in full adherence to established rules and regulations, to safeguard national security and operational excellence.

This purge comes at a critical time for the NIS, as it continues to combat border vulnerabilities amid rising concerns over smuggling, irregular migration, and internal corruption. Officials emphasise that such accountability drives will bolster the agency’s effectiveness in protecting Nigeria’s frontiers.