The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, has arrested 125 foreign nationals over alleged immigration offences in a major operation across parts of Lagos.
Out of those arrested, 82 are set to be deported after being found without valid travel documents or permits.
The Assistant Comptroller-General of the NIS in charge of Zone A, Mohamed Adamu, disclosed this on Thursday while speaking to journalists in Lagos. He said the operation was carried out on March 30 in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.
Adamu explained that the arrests were made in several parts of Lagos, including Agege, Alimosho, Ebute Metta, and Badagry. These areas are known for their large populations and busy economic activities, which often attract migrants from neighbouring West African countries.
He described the exercise as intelligence-driven, adding that it was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal security and improve migration control in the state.
According to him, the operation targeted individuals suspected of violating Nigeria’s immigration laws.
The NIS revealed that the 125 migrants arrested include 100 nationals from the Republic of Niger and 25 from the Republic of Mali.
Out of the total number, 43 were found to have valid documents, including ECOWAS Travel Certificates and National Identity Biometric Cards. These documents allow citizens of West African countries to move freely within the region under ECOWAS protocols.
However, the remaining 82 migrants were found without any valid travel papers, residence permits, or clear means of livelihood.
Adamu said the 82 individuals without proper documentation have been classified as prohibited immigrants under the Immigration Act 2015. As a result, they will be repatriated to their home countries after due process.
Also speaking, the Comptroller of the NIS, Lagos State Command, Chris Onojinrin, said arrangements had already been made to deport the affected migrants within 48 hours.
He assured that all necessary legal steps would be followed before the deportation is carried out.
The immigration authorities stressed that the operation was not targeted at any particular nationality but was part of a broader effort to improve national security.
Adamu noted that illegal migration can create security challenges if not properly managed. He said the joint operation with the police was aimed at reducing crime and ensuring that everyone living in Nigeria complies with the law.
“It is a continuous exercise,” he said. “The main aim is national security and to reduce crime and criminality to the barest minimum.”
He added that the crackdown would continue in the coming weeks as part of routine enforcement activities.
Despite the scale of the operation, the NIS maintained that it was carried out in a professional manner and in line with human rights standards.
Adamu said officers involved in the exercise were trained to handle such situations carefully, ensuring that the rights of those arrested were respected.
He also stressed that the Service is not against foreigners living or doing business in Nigeria, as long as they follow 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 said.
Nigeria shares borders with several West African countries, including Niger and Mali. Due to regional agreements under ECOWAS, citizens of member states are allowed to travel within the region without visas for short stays.
However, such movement is expected to follow certain rules, including possession of valid identification and compliance with local laws.
In recent years, authorities have increased monitoring of migration due to rising concerns about cross-border crime, smuggling, and security threats.
Lagos, being Nigeria’s commercial centre, often attracts migrants seeking better economic opportunities. While many come legally and contribute to the economy, officials say some enter or remain in the country without proper documentation.
This has led to periodic enforcement operations by the NIS to identify and remove individuals who do not meet legal requirements.
The latest arrests highlight the government’s renewed focus on enforcing immigration laws and maintaining order.
For now, the 82 migrants without valid papers await deportation, while authorities say they will keep working to ensure that Nigeria’s borders and internal systems remain secure.
The NIS has also urged all foreign nationals in the country to regularize their stay and ensure they have the necessary documents to avoid facing similar actions in the future.