By Esther Onyegbula
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, Thursday, concluded arrangements to deport 82 irregular migrants arrested during a joint enforcement operation with the Nigeria Police Force, as part of efforts to curb undocumented migration and strengthen internal security.
The operation, described as intelligence-driven, was carried out on March 30, 2026, across multiple locations in Lagos. In the process, 125 foreign nationals were arrested.
Zonal Coordinator, NIS Zone A, Lagos, Assistant Comptroller General Mohammed Adamu, who confirmed the development, said the exercise was part of sustained efforts to rid the state of illegal migrants and mitigate security threats associated with irregular migration.
According to him, those arrested “comprised 100 nationals of the Republic of Niger and 25 nationals of the Republic of Mali”.
He explained that all suspects were profiled in line with extant immigration laws, adding that 43 of them were found to possess valid ECOWAS travel documents, including ECOWAS Travel Certificates and National Identity Biometric Cards.
However, he said 82 others failed to present valid travel documents, residence permits, or any verifiable means of livelihood.
He said: “Consequently, they have been classified as prohibited immigrants and public charges, making them liable for repatriation in accordance with 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 added that the suspects were arrested across different parts of the state based on credible intelligence, noting that the service does not act arbitrarily but operates within due process.
He reiterated that Nigeria remains open to lawful migration, but warned that any foreign national without proper documentation or with criminal intent would not be tolerated.
He clarified that “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.
“It is a continuous process across all states of the federation. Our primary objective is national security, to reduce crime and criminality to the barest minimum,” he said.
He assured that due process is being followed in the repatriation exercise, adding that relevant authorities in the migrants’ countries of origin have been engaged to ensure proper reception and reintegration.
Adamu reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to collaboration with other security agencies in enhancing surveillance, intelligence gathering, and border governance.
He also reiterated the commitment of the Service under the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to effective migration management and enforcement of immigration laws.
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