The Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Command, has arrested 125 foreign nationals over alleged immigration-related offences, with 82 of them set for repatriation.
- +Immigration arrests 125 foreigners in Lagos, to repatriate 82
The Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Zone A, Mohamed Adamu, while speaking on the development in Lagos on Thursday, said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force on March 30 in some parts of the state, including Agege, Alimosho, Ebute Metta and Badagry.
The Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Zone A, Mohamed Adamu, while speaking on the development in Lagos on Thursday, said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force on March 30 in some parts of the state, including Agege, Alimosho, Ebute Metta and Badagry.
According to him, the exercise was intelligence-driven and aimed at strengthening internal security and migration management.
He disclosed that those arrested comprised 100 nationals of the Republic of Niger and 25 from the Republic of Mali.
He said, “43 of the migrants were found with valid ECOWAS Travel Certificates and National Identity Biometric Cards, while 82 others had no valid travel documents, residence permits or identifiable means of livelihood.
“The affected individuals had been 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 line with human rights standards.
He also noted that the Service would sustain the crackdown.
“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.
“It is a continuous exercise. The main aim is national security and to reduce crime and criminality to the barest minimum,” he said.
The Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Command, Chris Onojinrin, said the migrants would be repatriated within 48 hours after due process.
Adamu reiterated that the Service was not against foreigners who comply with the law.
“Any foreigner who satisfies the law is free to conduct legitimate business, but those who do not have no place in the country,” he added.
