NIS Repatriates 99 Foreigners Over Irregular Migration

The Nigeria Immigration Service repatriated 99 foreigners over irregular migration between July and August 2026, according to its latest operational report.

The report, prepared for the Office of the National Security Adviser, showed that 90 foreigners were repatriated in July, while nine others were repatriated in August.

Those repatriated in July comprised 33 Cameroonians, 38 nationals of Côte d’Ivoire, 15 Pakistanis, four Nigeriens, four Chadians, two Burkinabè, two Central Africans and one national of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The report identified irregular migration as the primary reason for the repatriations, stating that the July cases involved nationals of Cameroon, Niger, Pakistan, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Chad, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The NIS also reported rescuing 23 victims of trafficking and other forms of exploitation during the two month period. Seven victims were rescued in July, while 16 were rescued in August.

According to the report, the interventions took place at locations including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Seme Border, Baji Patrol Post, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and other locations. Some of the rescued victims were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for further care and investigation.

The immigration service also apprehended a stowaway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in August.

“Twenty three victims were recorded as rescued across July and August. July interventions accounted for seven victims, including cases involving Thailand, Mali, Egypt and domestic locations. August interventions accounted for 16 victims, including cases intercepted at Seme Border, MMIA, NAIA and Baji Patrol Post,” the report stated.

It added that four persons of interest were identified during the period, comprising three in July and one in August. The August case involved a potential trafficking victim who was referred to NAPTIP.

The NIS further disclosed that it had dismantled a fraudulent transnational organised crime syndicate linked to the QNET/Ignite group.

According to the report, the operation led to the apprehension of the syndicate leaders and 11 facilitators in Lagos and Ogun states.

The service said the interventions formed part of its efforts to strengthen border security, regulate migration and combat transnational organised crime.

The report also highlighted the detection of document fraud, enforcement operations, arrests and prosecutions as part of measures taken to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and prevent the exploitation of migrants.

The NIS said its operations during the period were aimed at ensuring effective migration management while contributing to national security.