The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested 155 foreigners in a series of coordinated operations across Rivers, Ogun, and Oyo states for involvement in cybercrimes and unauthorised entry into the country.
The Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, ordered the immediate deportation of the arrested individuals.
In Rivers State, 90 illegal immigrants were apprehended in January 2025 for cybercrimes aimed at defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians. The operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, led to the arrest of 94 individuals, including 85 Cameroonians, five Chadians, and four Nigerians. The group comprised 74 males and 20 females.
Rivers State Comptroller of the NIS, Mr Y.I. Abdulmajeed, revealed that none of the foreigners possessed valid residence permits or travel documents. He added that the Comptroller General had directed their repatriation following due processes.
In Ogun State, 25 Beninese nationals were arrested at a commercial farm in Odogbolu Local Government Area in February. Ogun State Comptroller of the NIS, Mr A.M. Akadri, said the migrants, who were working as farm labourers, had entered Nigeria through unauthorised routes without valid travel documents or permits.
Additionally, the Oyo State Command of the NIS 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. Of the group, 32 were males and eight were females, all aged between 18 and 35.
Oyo State Comptroller, Mr Tayo Dada, noted that 10 of the individuals were farmers, while 30 claimed to be online marketers. Like in the other states, none of the suspects possessed valid travel documents, and all had entered the country through illegal routes.
The crackdown on illegal immigrants aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategy to enhance national security. In 2024, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed that 828 illegal immigrants were repatriated as part of efforts to curb irregular migration.
The minister also revealed that 137 victims of trafficking were intercepted by the NIS last year, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling human trafficking and improving border security.
