The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, says it will strengthen border security ahead of the 2027 general elections to prevent the infiltration of foreign mercenaries, illegal weapons and other criminal elements.

The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, announced this in Abuja, warning that illegal migration, human trafficking and other cross-border crimes could threaten national security.

She directed officers to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and collaboration with other security agencies before, during and after the elections.

Similarly, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, warned that criminals could exploit the country's borders to smuggle weapons and mercenaries into Nigeria.