Nigeria and UK Initiate Three-Year Immigration Crime Plan

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have officially launched a three-year cooperation programme aimed at combating Organised Immigration Crime (OIC). The details of this initiative were published in a joint communiqué by the UK Home Office on October 16, 2026, following its announcement during President Bola Tinubu's state visit to the UK in March 2026.

The Federal Minister of Interior of Nigeria and the UK Home Secretary signed a joint statement to enhance collaboration. The programme focuses on cracking down on criminal networks involved in irregular migration and visa fraud.

Key commitments include strengthening document verification processes for visa applications, expanding operational cooperation between agencies, and providing technical support for new Nigerian border management systems. The plan also addresses the return and reintegration of individuals without lawful status, with a joint reintegration conference scheduled for early 2027.

Both countries agreed to expedite extradition processes and engage in asset recovery through law enforcement agencies. The next Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs dialogue is set for 2027 in Nigeria.