The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has deported 155 foreigners arrested during coordinated operations across three states for cybercrimes and unauthorized entry into the country.
The directive for their deportation came from the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap.
Arrests in Rivers State
A major crackdown in Rivers State led to the arrest of 90 illegal immigrants in January 2025. The individuals were reportedly involved in cybercrimes aimed at defrauding Nigerians. The operation, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, resulted in 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 Immigration, Mr. Y.I. Abdulmajeed, revealed that none of the 90 foreigners possessed valid residence permits or travel documents. Following their apprehension, the Comptroller General instructed the completion of deportation procedures to return them to their respective countries.
Crackdown in Ogun and Oyo States
In February, 25 illegal migrants were arrested at a commercial farm in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. Ogun State Comptroller of Immigration, Mr. A.M. Akadri, stated that the individuals, all Beninese nationals, were working as farm laborers without valid permits or travel documents. They had reportedly entered Nigeria through unauthorized routes.
Similarly, the Oyo State Command of the NIS arrested 40 illegal immigrants at different locations within Akinyele Local Government Area in February. Among them were 27 Cameroonians, two Ghanaians, 10 Beninese, and one Togolese. The group consisted of 32 males and eight females, aged between 18 and 35.
Oyo State Comptroller, Mr. Tayo Dada, disclosed that 10 of the arrested individuals were farmers, while 30 claimed to be online marketers. None of them possessed valid travel documents, and all had entered the country illegally.
Ongoing Efforts to Curb Irregular Migration
The Nigerian government has intensified efforts to combat illegal migration and enhance national security. According to Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the NIS repatriated 828 illegal immigrants in 2024 as part of these measures.
“Last year, 137 victims of trafficking were intercepted, and in 2024 alone, 828 foreigners were repatriated by the Nigeria Immigration Service,” the minister stated.
These latest deportations reflect the government’s continued crackdown on unauthorized migration and cyber-related crimes in the country.
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