Immigration deports 155 foreigners
In a series of coordinated operations across three states, the Nigeria Immigration Service has arrested 155 foreigners.
The foreigners were arrested for cybercrimes and unauthorised entry into the country.
The arrested foreigners have since been deported following orders from the Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap.
A breakdown of the number showed that 90 illegal immigrants involved in cybercrimes designed to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians were arrested in Rivers State in January 2025.
The operation carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, led to the arrest of 94 individuals, including 85 Cameroonians, five Chadians, and four Nigerians. Among them were 74 males and 20 females.
Rivers State Comptroller of the NIS, Mr Y.I. Abdulmajeed, disclosed that none of the 90 foreigners possessed valid residence permits or travel documents.
Following their arrest, the Comptroller General directed that the necessary processes be completed to repatriate them to their respective countries.
Also, 25 illegal migrants were arrested at a commercial farm in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State in February.
According to the Ogun State Comptroller of the NIS, Mr A.M. Akadri, the suspects were all Beninese nationals working as farm labourers without valid travel documents or permits. They also entered Nigeria through unauthorised routes.
In addition, the Oyo State Command of the NIS also arrested 40 illegal immigrants at various locations within Akinyele Local Government Area in February.
The suspects included 27 Cameroonians, two Ghanaians, 10 Beninese, and one Togolese. Among them, 32 were males, while eight were females, all aged between 18 and 35.
According to Oyo State Comptroller, Mr Tayo Dada, 10 of the arrested individuals were farmers, while 30 claimed to be online marketers.
He added that none of them possessed valid travel documents, and they all entered Nigeria through illegal routes.
In 2024, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the Federal Government deported 828 illegal immigrants as part of its efforts to combat irregular migration and improve national security.
“Last year, 137 victims of trafficking were intercepted, and in 2024 alone, 828 foreigners were repatriated by the Nigerian Immigration Service,” the minister said.
