The recent activities of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have brought to light a crucial issue concerning international migration and cybercrime in Nigeria. In a significant operation conducted in the Hotoro Ring Road area of Nasarawa Local Council, Kano State, the NIS arrested 127 foreign nationals on charges related to various cybercrimes and irregular migration practices.
This operation is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to combat the growing threat of cybercrime, which has been a substantial concern for both the government and the public. The arrested individuals, predominantly from neighboring countries, are believed to have been involved in fraudulent activities that exploited innocent Nigerians, deceiving them through scams and other illegal means.
Kabir Danja, the Comptroller of Immigration for Kano State, confirmed that the arrests were executed after gathering credible intelligence regarding a hideout used by the suspects. This meticulous operation unearthed a network that included not only foreign nationals but also Nigerian accomplices, reflecting a troubling amalgamation of domestic and international crime.
In total, 206 individuals were apprehended during this operation, with a breakdown revealing 86 Nigeriens, 41 Chadians, and 80 Nigerians. This diverse demographic raises questions about the motivations and circumstances leading to such a significant presence of foreign nationals in the local area.
The age profile of the suspects is particularly noteworthy, with all individuals falling between the ages of 25 and 35. This demographic is often seen as vulnerable yet potentially tech-savvy, making them prime candidates for engaging in cyber activities. Interrogations indicated that a majority of the foreign nationals had illegally crossed into Nigeria, lacking essential travel documents or residence cards.
Following the arrest, the Nigerian authorities acted swiftly. The 80 Nigerians implicated were promptly handed over to the police for further investigation. Meanwhile, the Comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, has instructed that the irregular migrants should be repatriated once inquiries into their activities conclude. This step illustrates the government’s commitment to addressing not only temporary immigration issues but also the longer-term challenges posed by unlawful entry into the country.
In a related development, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has taken significant strides in promoting human rights through voluntary return programs for Nigerian nationals abroad. Recently, NEMA, in collaboration with other stakeholders, successfully repatriated 111 Nigerian returnees from Niamey, Niger Republic. This effort is part of ongoing initiatives to ensure the safe return of migrants who wish to come home.
The repatriation exercise was facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), working alongside key agencies dedicated to migrant support and reintegration. According to NEMA, the returnees arrived at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on May 26, 2025, at precisely 7:20 p.m.
The demographic of the returnees reveals the complexities of migration trends. Among the 111 individuals were 87 adult males, eight male children, eight adult females, and eight female children. The variety in age and gender underscores the multifaceted nature of migration, wherein entire families often embark on perilous journeys in search of better opportunities.
Upon their arrival, the Nigerian returnees were taken to Chilla Hotel for profiling and documentation. This process is crucial as it helps aid agencies understand the backgrounds and needs of returnees, allowing for tailored reintegration services that can ease their transition back into society.
