June 27, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
Seven suspected commanders linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been arrested at Katsina Airport shortly after returning to Nigeria from the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The arrests were disclosed on Friday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following the signing of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026, by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to the minister, the suspects were identified through Nigeria’s newly integrated digital identity and security verification system, which connects the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Interpol’s global security database.
Tunji-Ojo said the integrated platform enabled security agencies to detect the suspects immediately upon their arrival at Katsina Airport before they were arrested and handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.
He explained that the new identity management system eliminates gaps between government databases, making it easier for security agencies to track suspected terrorists, identity fraudsters, and other high-risk individuals.
The minister also stated that the newly signed NIMC Act strengthens collaboration among security agencies and ensures stricter identity verification for services such as passport issuance, making it more difficult for criminals to exploit the system.
The Federal Government says the reforms are expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s ability to combat terrorism, improve border security, and strengthen national identity management across the country.
Authorities say investigations into the seven suspects are ongoing.
