The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, has arrested 125 foreign nationals over alleged immigration violations, with 82 of them set to be repatriated.
The arrests were carried out on March 30, 2026, during a joint operation with the Nigeria Police Force across parts of Lagos State, including Agege, Alimosho, Ebute Metta and Badagry.
The Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Zone A, Mohamed Adamu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Lagos. He described the exercise as intelligence-driven and aimed at strengthening internal security and migration management.
According to him, those arrested comprised 100 nationals from the Republic of Niger and 25 from the Republic of Mali.
Adamu 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 have been classified as prohibited immigrants and will be repatriated in line with the Immigration Act 2015,” he said.
He added that the operation was conducted professionally and in compliance with human rights standards, noting that the crackdown would be sustained.
“This is a continuous, intelligence-driven joint operation between the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Police Force. The aim is to ensure that anyone entering Nigeria meets the requirements of immigration laws, while also strengthening national security and reducing crime,” he said.
The Comptroller of the NIS, Lagos State Command, Chris Onojinrin, said the affected migrants would be repatriated within 48 hours after due process is completed.
Adamu reiterated that the Service was not against foreigners who comply with Nigerian laws.
“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.
