Strengthening forensic document examination capability in Nigeria

The Nigerian Immigration Service required a more structured and consistent framework for examining suspected fraudulent travel and identity documents, supported by clear procedures and defined levels of examiner competency. The challenge was to bring together operational practice, forensic examination, evidence handling, reporting and specialist capability into a system that could be applied consistently across the organisation.

The engagement also needed to ensure that officers were not only provided with technical guidance, but had the opportunity to practically apply the procedures, examination techniques and decision-making processes in a training environment.

Forensys worked with the Nigerian Immigration Service to develop document examination training at each tiered level, aligning with the previously developed DELMIE manual including Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Specialist levels. Implementation of these training materials was undertaken in Nigeria in which the ForenSys team lead a four day intensive workshop combining theoretical instruction with demonstrations, practical document examination, equipment use, case-based activities, and assessments.

In addition to training development, ForenSys also developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which provides examiners within the Nigerian Immigration Service a step-by-step guide for forensic document examination beginning at the first line, through to second line, and specialist levels. The SOP covers the document examination process, referral pathways, evidence handling, examination records, reporting and associated laboratory practices.

The engagement provided NIS with a more structured framework for forensic document examination, supported by both documented procedures and trained personnel.

Participants demonstrated particular strengths in practical examination, referral decision-making, examination planning and the use of specialist equipment. The training also identified areas for continued development, providing NIS with a clear basis for future refresher and specialist training.

Importantly, the combination of SOP development and practical workshops supported the transition from written procedures into operational practice, helping to establish a more consistent, defensible and sustainable document examination capability.