In a dramatic operation that has rattled the quiet streets of Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State Police Command arrested 165 illegal immigrants found residing in a three-bedroom flat in the Kuwait area. The discovery came after a tip-off that led officers to uncover the overcrowded and illegal living conditions.
The arrested immigrants, who hailed from various West African countries, were living in dire circumstances, with a number of them reportedly involved in illegal activities, including a Ponzi scheme known as the Qnet scam. The police operation, which occurred on February 4, 2025, has sparked concerns about illegal immigration, security, and the impact of foreign nationals living without proper documentation in the state.
A Tense Situation in Birnin Kebbi
According to a statement from the Kebbi State Police spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the operation followed an intelligence report that led detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to a three-bedroom flat in Kuwait. “During the operation, we discovered 165 individuals living in the apartment. They were from Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, Benin Republic, and Niger Republic,” CSP Abubakar said.
Among the arrested were 35 nationals from Burkina Faso, 110 from Ivory Coast, 11 from Benin Republic, five from Niger Republic, and four from Mali. The police spokesperson added that the suspects did not possess valid documentation and were illegally residing in Nigeria.
“We have handed over the suspects to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation,” Abubakar confirmed.
The Reality of Overcrowding
The cramped living space raised several alarm bells, with local residents expressing concerns about the overcrowding and the nature of the suspects’ activities. The police report revealed that the immigrants were living in unsanitary conditions, which only added to the growing unease in the community.
One resident, Adamu Augie, who lives in the Kuwait area of Birnin Kebbi, shared his shock upon learning of the situation. “We had no idea how many of them were living in that flat. It was cramped, and they kept to themselves, often coming in and out,” Augie told Daily Trust.
Augie, like many others in the area, had noticed the foreigners but was unsure of their intentions. “We don’t know what they do for a living. Some of us noticed that they don’t seem to belong here, and there was always an air of mystery surrounding them.”
Despite the limited interactions between locals and the immigrants, the presence of non-Nigerian faces led to growing suspicion among residents. Augie explained, “Given the current security situation, you can’t be too cautious. We had to inform the police. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
The Growing Issue of Illegal Immigration
The case in Birnin Kebbi highlights a broader issue of illegal immigration, which continues to be a pressing concern for Nigerian authorities. The influx of foreign nationals without proper documentation has contributed to growing security challenges, as many immigrants find themselves involved in shady activities or illegal enterprises.
CSP Abubakar’s statement pointed to the Qnet Ponzi scheme as one of the alleged activities the detained immigrants were involved in. The Qnet scheme, which has been under investigation in several African countries, operates by recruiting people to invest money with promises of high returns. However, many have found themselves swindled, as the scheme is often described as a pyramid scheme that primarily benefits those at the top.
This discovery has raised questions about the level of enforcement regarding immigration laws in the state, especially when it comes to monitoring the movement of foreigners and ensuring that they follow the proper legal channels to live and work in Nigeria.
Community Reactions and Concerns
Local residents have expressed mixed reactions to the police intervention. While many are relieved that the authorities acted on their concerns, others are fearful that more illegal immigrants could be residing in other areas undetected. For some, the incident has raised uncomfortable questions about the growing number of undocumented immigrants in the country and their potential impact on the local economy and security.
Another resident, Aminu Bello, commented on the situation, saying, “We are not against foreigners coming to Nigeria, but it must be in the right way. They should have the proper papers. It’s worrying when you see so many people living like that in one place. It makes you wonder what else they might be involved in.”
The tight-knit community of Birnin Kebbi is now grappling with the aftereffects of the operation, with heightened vigilance among locals who fear that the event could trigger more crackdowns on illegal immigration in the region.
The Need for Stricter Immigration Policies
As Nigeria continues to struggle with the issue of illegal immigration, many are calling for stronger enforcement of immigration policies and better mechanisms to prevent the influx of undocumented migrants.
While authorities have been applauded for taking swift action in the Kebbi case, experts warn that this is only one example of a growing trend that needs immediate attention. Nigerian border controls are being tested as large numbers of foreign nationals continue to enter the country, some of them fleeing economic hardship or political instability in their home countries.
“The case in Birnin Kebbi is a wake-up call for all of us,” said a security analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “It shows how unchecked migration can create tension in communities. The authorities must be more vigilant and work to secure the nation’s borders.”
