In a series of coordinated operations across three states, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has deported 155 foreigners for cybercrimes and unauthorized entry into the country.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, ordered the deportation after investigations revealed that the individuals lacked valid travel documents or residence permits.
A breakdown of the arrests showed that 90 illegal immigrants were apprehended in Rivers State in January 2025 for their involvement in cyber fraud targeting unsuspecting Nigerians. According to Rivers State Comptroller of Immigration, Y.I. Abdulmajeed, none of the suspects possessed valid residency permits or travel documents.
“The operation was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, and we discovered that these individuals had no legal right to be in the country,” Mr. Abdulmajeed stated.
In Ogun State, 25 illegal migrants were arrested at a commercial farm in Odogbolu Local Government Area in February. Ogun State Comptroller A.M. Akadri confirmed that the individuals were Beninese nationals working as farm laborers without valid permits, having entered Nigeria through unauthorized routes.
Similarly, in Oyo State, immigration officers arrested 40 illegal immigrants within Akinyele Local Government Area. Oyo State Comptroller, Tayo Dada, disclosed that the suspects included 27 Cameroonians, two Ghanaians, 10 Beninese, and one Togolese. Of the 40, 10 claimed to be farmers, while 30 described themselves as online marketers.
“None of them possessed valid travel documents, and they all entered Nigeria through illegal routes,” Mr. Dada emphasized.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, previously revealed that in 2024 alone, the federal government deported 828 illegal immigrants as part of efforts to combat irregular migration and enhance national security.
“Last year, 137 victims of trafficking were intercepted, and in 2024 alone, 828 foreigners were repatriated by the Nigerian Immigration Service,” Mr. Tunji-Ojo stated.
