The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has initiated a formal investigation into an incident involving the destruction of a Nigerian passport at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The probe follows the circulation of a video on social media showing a female traveler tearing a Nigerian Standard Passport.

According to a statement released by NIS Public Relations Officer Kenneth Udo, the video depicts Mrs. Igiebor damaging her husband’s passport shortly after their arrival at the Lagos airport on August 10, 2024. The footage, which has sparked widespread public concern, shows an agitated Igiebor responding to inquiries about her actions with, “Is it your passport?”

The NIS has highlighted that such actions may contravene Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), which prohibits the willful destruction of Nigerian travel documents. The Act prescribes specific penalties for violations.

The NIS reaffirmed its commitment to strictly enforcing the Immigration Act to ensure national security and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s legal and diplomatic documents. The statement emphasized that the Service remains dedicated to preserving the nation’s legal instruments and national security.