The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully apprehended multiple international criminals who were on INTERPOL's red list, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo revealed on Wednesday.

Speaking at a regional workshop on Maritime Border Security in Lagos, Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the arrests took place at Nigerian airports within a span of just two days as the suspects attempted to enter the country.

"I can tell you to a large extent, we've built robust database, and we are reaping the fruits. Now, it will interest you that in the last couple of weeks, within two days, a lot of people on the Interpol red list were arrested at our airports preventing them from coming in," the minister stated.

According to Tunji-Ojo, the wanted individuals arrived from various countries including Italy and Ireland. He emphasized that these arrests demonstrate significant improvements in Nigeria's border security systems.

"They would have entered Nigeria if it were 18 years ago, but now we know that in terms of our air terminals, they are in sync because it is integrated into central system," he added.

The minister highlighted that these successful operations are the result of enhanced database integration and improved coordination between Nigerian security agencies and international law enforcement bodies.

INTERPOL's red notices are issued for fugitives wanted either for prosecution or to serve a sentence. The international alerts allow police in member countries to share critical crime-related information and request the location and arrest of wanted persons with a view to extradition.

The development comes as Nigeria continues to strengthen its border security measures amid regional security challenges.