The Federal Government of Nigeria has deported 828 illegal immigrants as part of efforts to enforce the country’s immigration laws.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this at a media briefing in Abuja, stating that the operation was carried out by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in 2024.
He clarified that the deportation was not linked to criminal activities but was in line with Nigeria’s constitutional requirement that all foreign nationals residing in the country must possess valid residency permits.
According to NIS estimates, there are over 300,000 undocumented immigrants in Nigeria, primarily from neighboring countries such as: Chad, Niger Republic, Benin Republic, Cameroon
The deportation exercise is one of the largest in recent years and underscores the government’s commitment to border security and migration control.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also announced new residency permit regulations, stating that “Residency permits will no longer be automatically renewed except under special circumstances.”
This policy shift aims to tighten immigration controls and ensure that only qualified expatriates remain in the country legally.
The recent crackdown is reminiscent of the 1983 mass deportation under President Shehu Shagari, when thousands of illegal immigrants, particularly Ghanaians, were expelled from Nigeria—a historical event widely known as “Ghana Must Go.”
The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring lawful residency and safeguarding national security through continued enforcement of immigration laws.
