The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), in collaboration with other security agencies, reportedly carried out a large-scale enforcement operation in Lagos State resulting in the arrest of 125 foreign nationals suspected of immigration-related offences. These offences include irregular entry, illegal stay, and cyber-related criminal activities.
The operation, carried out on March 30, targeted suspected immigration violators across several locations including Agege, Alimosho, Ebute Metta, and Badagry.
Following screening and verification, 82 of the arrested individuals were classified as prohibited immigrants and slated for repatriation, while 43 were cleared after presenting valid documentation.
Breakdown of Arrested Foreign Nationals
According to the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Zone A, Mohamed Adamu, the arrested individuals comprised:
- 100 nationals of the Republic of Niger
- 25 nationals of the Republic of Mali
Classification Outcome:
- 82 individuals: No valid travel documents, residence permits, or identifiable means of livelihood → classified as prohibited immigrants
- 43 individuals: Possessed valid ECOWAS Travel Certificates and/or National Identity Biometric Cards → cleared
Reasons for the Operation
The NIS stated that the enforcement exercise was:
- Intelligence-driven
- Conducted jointly with the Nigeria Police Force
- Focused on strengthening internal security and migration management
Authorities said the operation aimed to ensure that all foreign nationals in Nigeria comply with immigration laws and proper entry requirements.
Official Statements
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Nigeria Immigration Service (Zone A Command)
Assistant Comptroller-General Mohamed Adamu explained that:
“The exercise was intelligence-driven and aimed at strengthening internal security and migration management.”
He further stated:
“It is a continuous exercise. The main aim is national security and to reduce crime and criminality to the barest minimum.”
He also clarified that:
“Any foreigner who satisfies the law is free to conduct legitimate business, but those who do not have no place in the country.”
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Lagos State Immigration Command
The Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Command, Chris Onojinrin, confirmed that:
- The affected migrants would be repatriated within 48 hours
- Due process would be followed before deportation
Legal Basis for Action
The 82 individuals marked for repatriation were classified as prohibited immigrants under the Nigeria Immigration Act (2015), due to:
- Lack of valid travel documentation
- Absence of residence permits
- No identifiable legal means of livelihood
Authorities emphasized that the repatriation process is being conducted in accordance with national immigration laws and human rights standards.
Repatriation Process
The planned removal of the 82 migrants includes:
- Final identity and documentation verification
- Coordination with diplomatic missions of Niger and Mali
- Administrative deportation procedures
- Execution within a 48-hour timeframe, according to NIS officials
The process is expected to be carried out in batches, depending on logistical and diplomatic arrangements.
Security and Policy Context
The operation reflects Nigeria’s ongoing strategy to:
- Strengthen border and internal migration control
- Target undocumented migration networks
- Reduce transnational crime risks linked to illegal residency
- Enhance cooperation between immigration authorities and law enforcement agencies
Authorities emphasized that such operations will continue as part of a sustained enforcement campaign.
Human Rights and Compliance Assurance
The Nigeria Immigration Service stated that:
- The operation was conducted professionally
- Human rights standards were observed during arrests and processing
- Legitimate foreign residents and business operators are not targeted
Officials reiterated that compliance with immigration regulations guarantees the right to remain and conduct lawful activities in Nigeria.
Conclusion
The arrest of 125 foreign nationals in Lagos State, including 100 Nigeriens and 25 Malians, represents a coordinated immigration enforcement operation aimed at addressing irregular migration and strengthening internal security.
With 82 individuals set for repatriation and 43 cleared, the exercise underscores Nigeria’s continued enforcement of immigration laws under the Immigration Act 2015, alongside a broader focus on intelligence-led security operations.