Lagos Immigration Service Detains 125 Foreign Nationals, Moves to Deport 82

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has carried out a large-scale enforcement operation in Lagos, resulting in the arrest of 125 foreign nationals suspected of violating immigration rules.

The exercise, conducted with support from other security agencies, targeted multiple locations across the state as part of ongoing efforts to curb unlawful residence and tighten immigration control.

After preliminary checks and verification of documents, authorities confirmed that 82 of those arrested will be sent back to their home countries for breaching entry and stay requirements. The rest of the individuals are still being examined to determine their legal status in Nigeria.

Officials said those detained include citizens from several neighbouring countries, many of whom were reportedly unable to present valid residency papers during the operation.

The immigration authorities stressed that the crackdown is part of a broader nationwide effort to enforce compliance with immigration laws and improve border management.

They also warned that similar operations will continue in major urban centres to identify and remove undocumented migrants.