From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Controller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, has expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated border surveillance technology, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC), will support real-time video monitoring of unmanned border areas across the federation.
The CG, who gave the assurance in her address during the unveiling ceremony, stressed that the technology will also ensure constant surveillance of border activities. She added that her agency is setting a new benchmark in the use of technology to protect borders and enhance national security with BATTIC.
While highlighting the features of the technology, Nandap explained: “BATTIC is a multi-faceted complex comprising several critical components that will play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s security and migration management. These include the Command-and-Control Centre for Regular Migration, the NIS Data Centre and Visa Approval Centre, the Interior Data Centre, the Passport Personalization Centre, the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) Centre, and the 0.5KW Solar Farm.
“Each of these components has been meticulously designed to meet international standards, ensuring that Nigeria not only catches up with global trends but becomes a leader in the management of migration data.
“With BATTIC, we are setting a new benchmark in the use of technology to protect our borders and enhance national security. At the heart of BATTIC’s mission is its ability to manage and analyse varying levels of data efficiently, using state-of-the-art technology,” she stated.
On the key functions and capabilities of this remarkable facility, the paramilitary agency’s boss elaborated: “Some of the features include advanced passenger information (API) and passenger name record (PNR) analysis, which enable us to assess the risk levels of passengers even before they arrive in Nigeria or depart from their country of origin.
“Others are the identification of suspicious travel patterns; by analysing travel data, we can detect anomalies that may indicate potential security threats.
“Additionally, 24/7 surveillance will support real-time video monitoring to oversee unmanned border areas across the federation, ensuring constant vigilance over border activities.
“The integrated communication platform will facilitate seamless communication across all levels—from Border Patrol Units to Border Control Posts, State Commands, the Service Headquarters, and the Ministry of Interior.
“Cross-referencing with national and international watchlists will allow data to be checked against various security databases, including INTERPOL, to ensure no security threats slip through the cracks.
“In essence, BATTIC will serve as the central hub for our digital infrastructure, dramatically enhancing our surveillance capabilities, streamlining migration management, and strengthening our national security framework,” she said.