Authorities detain 125 non-nationals in Lagos, plan to deport 82 back to their home countries

The Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Command, has taken 125 foreign nationals into custody for alleged immigration-related violations, with 82 of them slated for repatriation.

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According to Assistant Comptroller-General Mohamed Adamu, the operation was conducted on March 30 in areas such as Agege, Alimosho, Ebute Metta, and Badagry, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.

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The exercise, which was carried out on Thursday, was driven by intelligence and aimed at bolstering internal security and migration management, Adamu explained.

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The group of arrested individuals consisted of 100 nationals from the Republic of Niger and 25 from the Republic of Mali, Adamu disclosed.

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Among those arrested, 43 migrants possessed valid ECOWAS Travel Certificates and National Identity Biometric Cards, while 82 others lacked valid travel documents, residence permits, or identifiable means of livelihood.

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As a result, the 82 individuals without proper documentation have been classified as prohibited immigrants and will be repatriated in accordance with the Immigration Act 2015, Adamu stated.

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The operation was conducted in a professional manner, adhering to human rights standards, and the Service plans to sustain its crackdown on immigration violations.

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According to Adamu, the joint operation between the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Police Force is ongoing, with the goal of ensuring that all individuals entering Nigeria comply with immigration laws.

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The primary objective of this exercise is to enhance national security and minimize crime and criminality, Adamu noted.

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Comptroller Chris Onojinrin of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Command, stated that the migrants will be repatriated within 48 hours, following the necessary procedures.

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Adamu emphasized that the Service does not target foreigners who comply with the law, stating that any foreigner who meets the legal requirements is free to conduct legitimate business in the country.

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However, Adamu warned that those who fail to comply with the law will not be tolerated, saying "any foreigner who satisfies the law is free to conduct legitimate business, but those who do not have no place in the country".