Nigeria to Repatriate 82 Irregular Foreigners Arrested in Lagos Immigration Crackdown

The Nigeria Immigration Service has concluded arrangements to repatriate 82 foreign nationals following a major intelligence-driven joint operation with the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos State.

The Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Zone A, Mohammed Adamu, disclosed this during a press conference in Lagos, where he confirmed that the operation led to the arrest of 125 foreign nationals across multiple locations. The exercise was conducted on March 30, 2026, in Agege, Alimosho, Ebute Metta, and Badagry.

Adamu explained that those arrested comprised 100 nationals of the Republic of Niger and 25 nationals of the Republic of Mali. Following profiling conducted in line with extant immigration laws, 43 of the migrants were found to possess valid ECOWAS travel documents, including ECOWAS Travel Certificates and National Identity Biometric Cards.

However, the remaining 82 individuals failed to present valid travel documents, residence permits, or any verifiable means of livelihood. Adamu stated that these individuals have been classified as prohibited immigrants and public charges, making them liable for repatriation under the Immigration Act 2015 as amended.

“This is an intelligence-led joint operation with the Nigeria Police Force. It is part of a broader strategy to ensure that individuals residing in the country comply with immigration laws. Security is everybody’s business, and we must ensure that those who do not meet legal requirements do not remain within our borders,” Adamu said.

The Assistant Comptroller General further noted that the operation was conducted professionally and in full compliance with human rights standards and established legal frameworks. He reiterated that the service does not act arbitrarily but operates within due process.

“It is a continuous exercise across all states of the federation. Our primary objective is national security, to reduce crime and criminality to the barest minimum,” he added.

The Comptroller of Immigration for Lagos State Command, Chris Onajinrin, confirmed that the affected migrants would be repatriated within 48 hours after due immigration procedures. He also stated that their respective consulates have been notified to ensure proper reception and reintegration.

Adamu also clarified that Nigeria remains open to lawful migration, warning that any foreign national without proper documentation or with criminal intent would not be tolerated.

“We are not against any foreigner who satisfies the requirements of the law. However, anyone who fails to comply or exhibits criminal tendencies has no place in Nigeria,” he said.

The immigration boss reaffirmed the service’s commitment to collaboration with other security agencies in enhancing surveillance, intelligence gathering, and border governance. He also reiterated the dedication of the service under the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, and the Minister of Interior.