February 5, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched an internal investigation into one of its officers, identified as Officer Makama, over allegations that he unlawfully detained four Nigerian youths for four days without formal charges or due process, sources confirmed on Thursday.
The probe follows public outcry and complaints by the detained individuals’ families and rights advocates, who say the four men were held at an NIS facility in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) without access to legal counsel, clear explanation of charges, or presentation before a court of competent jurisdiction. The alleged detention is said to have occurred in late January, drawing attention to ongoing concerns about arbitrarily enforced detainment practices by security agencies.
According to the complainants, the four youths whose identities have been withheld for privacy and safety reasons were apprehended during a routine interaction with immigration officials at a local checkpoint. The families allege that Officer Makama, acting in his official capacity, ordered their prolonged detention without officially stating the grounds for the arrest or initiating established judicial procedures as required under Nigerian law.
Under Nigeria’s constitution and procedural law, any person arrested by state authorities must be either charged with a recognizable offence and brought before a court within 48 hours, or released protections designed to uphold fundamental rights and prevent unlawful deprivation of liberty.
Critics of the incident argue that the extended detention without charge represents not only a violation of statutory rights, but also a broader challenge in the enforcement practices of some security agencies, particularly where immigration and border control intersect with civil liberties. Legal experts said public institutions entrusted with enforcement powers must balance operational responsibilities with strict adherence to due process and human rights norms.
In response to the complaints, the NIS headquarters in Abuja confirmed that an inquiry has been authorised and that Officer Makama has been temporarily relieved of duty pending the outcome. A statement from the service emphasised its “commitment to accountability and respect for the rule of law,” and said the investigation will determine whether disciplinary or legal action is warranted.
“We take these allegations seriously and will ensure that the matter is investigated thoroughly,” the NIS statement said, noting that officers found to have breached official conduct or violated detainees’ rights will be appropriately sanctioned according to internal regulations and applicable laws.
Civil society organisations and human rights advocates have welcomed the investigation but insisted that systemic reforms are needed to prevent future incidents of unlawful detention. They called for clearer oversight mechanisms, regular human rights training for enforcement personnel, and greater transparency in how immigration authorities handle arrests and detentions.
As the inquiry unfolds, the detained youths were reportedly released and reunited with their families, but their legal representatives say they are exploring possible remedies to address the alleged violation of their clients’ rights, including lodging formal complaints with oversight bodies.
The incident adds to ongoing nationwide debates about security enforcement practices and the balance between maintaining public order and upholding constitutional protections particularly in contexts where administrative authorities intersect with individual freedoms.