The Nigeria Immigration Service has intensified its crackdown on illegal migration and cyber-related crimes, leading to the arrest and deportation of 155 foreigners across three states.
The operation, which targeted individuals involved in cyber fraud and unauthorized entry, shows part of the federal government’s renewed efforts to tighten border security.
A significant portion of the arrests took place in Rivers State, where 90 foreigners were apprehended in January 2025 for their alleged involvement in cybercrimes aimed at defrauding Nigerians.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, saw the arrest of 94 individuals, including 85 Cameroonians, five Chadians, and four Nigerians.
Rivers State Comptroller of NIS, Mr. Y.I. Abdulmajeed, revealed that none of the foreign suspects had valid residence permits or travel documents.
Further arrests followed in Ogun and Oyo States. In February, 25 illegal migrants, all Beninese nationals working as farm laborers, were detained in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The state’s NIS Comptroller, Mr. A.M. Akadri, disclosed that the suspects entered Nigeria through unauthorized routes and had no legal documentation.
Similarly, in Oyo State, 40 illegal immigrants were arrested in Akinyele Local Government Area. Among them were 27 Cameroonians, two Ghanaians, 10 Beninese, and one Togolese. Oyo State Comptroller, Mr. Tayo Dada, noted that while 10 of the suspects were farmers, 30 claimed to be online marketers, but none possessed valid travel documents.
Following these arrests, Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, ordered the immediate deportation of the foreigners after due process was completed.
The development comes as the federal government continues to clamp down on irregular migration.
In 2024 alone, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo confirmed that 828 foreigners were repatriated, alongside 137 victims of human trafficking intercepted.
