During a recent press briefing, Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo, revealed that a significant number of illegal immigrants were deported over the past year due to various immigration infractions.
The deportations were executed by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as part of efforts to enforce immigration laws and maintain national security.
The minister emphasized the government's commitment to addressing illegal immigration and ensuring compliance with legal entry and residency requirements.
This move underscores Nigeria's ongoing efforts to strengthen border control and immigration management.
Among those deported, 61 individuals found guilty of immigration violations were deported in August 2024 alone.
Nigeria’s border challenge
Nigeria has long faced challenges in securing its borders, leading to an influx of illegal migrants, including terrorists, from neighboring African countries.
This was confirmed last year when a retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Immigration, Sunday Fagbamigbe, raised concerns about Nigeria’s security vulnerabilities, revealing that the country has over 320 unmanned and illegal border routes.