The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, has finalized plans to deport 82 irregular migrants arrested during a joint enforcement operation with the Nigeria Police Force. The exercise, conducted on March 30, 2026, was part of ongoing efforts to curb undocumented migration and strengthen internal security across the state.
The intelligence-led operation targeted multiple locations in Lagos and resulted in the arrest of 125 foreign nationals. According to Assistant Comptroller General Mohammed Adamu, Zonal Coordinator for NIS Zone A, the suspects included 100 nationals from the Republic of Niger and 25 from the Republic of Mali.
Adamu explained that all individuals were profiled in line with immigration laws. Out of the total, 43 were found to possess valid ECOWAS travel documents, such as ECOWAS Travel Certificates and National Identity Biometric Cards. However, 82 others failed to present any valid travel papers, residence permits, or evidence of lawful means of livelihood.
“These individuals have been classified as prohibited immigrants and public charges,” Adamu stated. “They are therefore liable for repatriation under the Immigration Act 2015, as amended.” He emphasized that the operation was guided by credible intelligence and carried out in collaboration with the police to ensure compliance with due process.
Adamu stressed that Nigeria remains open to lawful migration but warned that undocumented foreigners or those with criminal intent would not be tolerated. “We are not against any foreigner who satisfies the requirements of the law,” he said. “But anyone who fails to comply or exhibits criminal tendencies has no place in Nigeria.”
He noted that the arrests were part of a broader national strategy to reduce crime and enhance security. The exercise, he added, is continuous and will be replicated across other states of the federation. The primary objective, according to him, is to safeguard national security and minimize criminal activity linked to irregular migration.
The NIS has assured that due process is being followed in the deportation process. Authorities in the migrants’ countries of origin have been contacted to facilitate proper reception and reintegration upon their return. Adamu highlighted the importance of coordination with foreign governments to ensure humane and orderly repatriation.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to working closely with other security agencies to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and border governance. This collaboration, he said, is essential to maintaining internal security and preventing future breaches.
Adamu also underscored the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, and Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in driving effective migration management. He noted that their directives have reinforced the Service’s resolve to enforce immigration laws and protect Nigeria’s borders.
The development reflects Nigeria’s broader challenge of managing migration flows within West Africa. While ECOWAS protocols allow for free movement of citizens across member states, national authorities continue to grapple with balancing regional integration against domestic security concerns. The Lagos operation illustrates how immigration enforcement remains a critical tool in addressing irregular migration and its associated risks.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safe deportation of the 82 migrants while reinforcing the message that compliance with immigration laws is non-negotiable. The NIS insists that lawful migration will always be welcomed, but irregular entry and residence will be met with firm enforcement.
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