Nigeria Immigration Service Detains 155 Foreign Nationals for Cybercrimes and Unauthorized Entry
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has apprehended 155 foreign nationals suspected of cybercrimes and unauthorized entry into the country. Following directives from the Comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, the detainees have been deported.
The largest portion of this operation took place in Rivers State, where 90 foreign cybercriminals, allegedly attempting to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians, were arrested in January 2025. The collaborative effort involved multiple security agencies and resulted in the apprehension of 94 individuals; among them were 85 Cameroonians, five Chadians, and four Nigerians. The breakdown of those arrested includes 74 males and 20 females, none of whom possessed valid residence permits or travel documents.
In the aftermath of their detention, the Comptroller General mandated the swift completion of processes needed to repatriate the individuals to their home countries.
Further arrests occurred in Ogun State, where 25 illegal migrants were taken into custody at a commercial farm in Odogbolu Local Government Area in February. The Ogun State Comptroller, Mr. A.M. Akadri, noted that all those arrested were Beninese nationals working as farm laborers without valid travel papers, having entered Nigeria via unauthorized routes.
Additionally, the Oyo State Command of the NIS reported the detention of 40 illegal immigrants in various locations within Akinyele Local Government Area in February. The individuals included 27 Cameroonians, two Ghanaians, 10 Beninese, and one Togolese, with a total of 32 males and eight females, all between the ages of 18 and 35. According to Oyo State Comptroller Mr. Tayo Dada, of those arrested, 10 claimed to be farmers, while 30 identified as online marketers, with none holding valid travel documents, and all having entered Nigeria via illegal means.
In a broader context, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed that in 2024, the Federal Government deported 828 illegal immigrants as part of efforts to curb irregular migration and bolster national security. The minister also reported that last year, 137 victims of human trafficking were intercepted, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding illegal immigration in the country.
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