Immigration Crackdown in Lagos: 82 Foreigners Face Repatriation

The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service has arrested 125 foreign nationals for alleged immigration offences, with 82 of them scheduled for repatriation.
The Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Zone A, Mohamed Adamu, disclosed this development on Thursday in Lagos.
He explained that the arrests were made during a joint operation with the Nigeria Police Force on March 30. The operation covered several areas of the state, including Agege, Alimosho, Ebute Metta, and Badagry.
According to Adamu, the exercise was intelligence-driven and aimed at enhancing internal security as well as improving migration control.
He revealed that those apprehended included 100 nationals from the Republic of Niger and 25 from the Republic of Mali.
Out of the total number, 43 individuals were found with valid ECOWAS Travel Certificates and National Identity Biometric Cards. However, 82 others lacked valid travel documents, residence permits, or any identifiable means of livelihood.
Adamu stated that those without proper documentation have been classified as prohibited immigrants and would be repatriated in accordance with the Immigration Act 2015.
He added that the operation was carried out professionally and in compliance with established human rights standards.
The immigration official further noted that such enforcement efforts would continue, emphasizing that the primary objective is to strengthen national security and reduce crime to the barest minimum.