•Immigration officers
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, has arrested 125 foreign nationals over immigration-related offences, with 82 of them slated for repatriation.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force on March 30, covered parts of Lagos State, including Agege, Alimosho, Ebute Metta, and Badagry, reports The Nation.
The Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Zone A, Mohamed Adamu, said the exercise was intelligence-driven and aimed at strengthening internal security and migration management.
He explained that those arrested comprised 100 nationals of the Republic of Niger and 25 from the Republic of Mali.
According to him, 43 of the migrants were found to possess valid ECOWAS Travel Certificates and National Identity Biometric Cards, while 82 others were without valid travel documents, residence permits, or means of livelihood.
Adamu said the affected individuals were classified as prohibited immigrants and would be repatriated in line with the Immigration Act 2015.
He added that the operation was conducted professionally and in accordance with human rights standards.
The Immigration Service described the exercise as part of ongoing nationwide efforts to curb irregular migration and strengthen border security.
“It is intelligence-driven and a joint operation between the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Police Force. The aim is to ensure that anyone coming into Nigeria meets the requirements of immigration laws,” he said.
He added that the Service would sustain the crackdown.
“It is a continuous exercise. The main aim is national security and to reduce crime and criminality to the barest minimum,” he said.
Comptroller of Immigration Service (CIS), Lagos state Command, Chris Onojinrin, said the migrants would be repatriated within 48 hours after due processes.
He added that the affected countries’ consulates had been informed.
Onodjiri urged employers to comply with immigration procedures when hiring foreign nationals.
“Let them visit immigration offices or check our website for guidance before bringing foreigners into Nigeria. It is mandatory,” he said.
Adamu reiterated that the Service is not against foreigners who meet legal requirements.
“Any foreigner who satisfies the law is free to conduct legitimate business, but those who do not have no place in the country,” he said.
