Mass Deportation Shocks Illegal Immigrants in Nigeria

By Achimi Muktar

In a bold and unprecedented move, the Nigerian government has deported 828 illegal immigrants in a sweeping crackdown aimed at tightening the country’s borders. The announcement, made by Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in Abuja, signals a new era of stricter immigration enforcement.

With an estimated 300,000 illegal immigrants residing in Nigeria, predominantly from Chad, Niger, Benin, and Cameroon, this mass deportation is just the beginning. Authorities are doubling down on efforts to regulate foreign residency, with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) spearheading a tough stance on undocumented migrants.

But that’s not all. Tunji-Ojo also unveiled a game-changing policy shift—the automatic renewal of expatriates’ residency permits is now a thing of the past. This means foreigners seeking to stay in Nigeria will face tighter scrutiny and stricter regulations, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to immigration control.

As the crackdown intensifies, questions arise: Will more mass deportations follow? How will this affect Nigeria’s economy and foreign relations? One thing is clear—Nigeria is sending a strong message: illegal residency will no longer be tolerated.