 in Kano State have recently arrested no fewer than 127 foreign nationals suspected of){kind=link}
Operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Kano State have recently arrested no fewer than 127 foreign nationals suspected of involvement in various cybercrimes and cases of irregular migration.
The arrests form part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal activities perpetuated by foreign and local individuals within the state. According to the State Comptroller of Immigration, Kabir Danja, the detainees include nationals primarily from neighboring countries, with Nigeriens and Chadians making up the bulk of the group.
Breaking down the figures, Danja explained that among the 127 foreign nationals arrested, 86 were Nigeriens while the remaining 41 were Chadians. In addition to these foreign nationals, 80 Nigerians were also apprehended during the operation, bringing the total number of suspects to 206.
These arrests took place in the Hotoro Ring Road area within Nasarawa Local Government, a location identified through credible intelligence reports as a hideout for individuals involved in fraudulent activities targeting innocent Nigerians.
Elaborating further, the State Comptroller disclosed that of the 206 individuals arrested, 185 were males and 21 were females, with ages ranging between 25 and 35 years.
The majority of the foreign nationals were found to have entered Nigeria through unauthorized entry points, and none of them possessed valid residence cards or travel documents.
This lack of proper documentation underscores the issue of irregular migration and highlights the potential risks it poses in terms of national security and law enforcement.
Following thorough interrogation, it was revealed that these individuals had been using their hideout as a base for cybercrime activities designed to defraud unsuspecting victims across the country. The operation, therefore, not only aimed to curb irregular migration but also to dismantle criminal networks operating within Kano State.
While the foreign nationals remain in custody pending further investigations, the 80 Nigerians arrested alongside them have already been handed over to the police for additional legal processing. This collaboration between the Nigeria Immigration Service and other law enforcement agencies is crucial in ensuring that those involved in cybercrime and other illegal activities are appropriately prosecuted.
Furthermore, Danja highlighted that the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, has issued directives for the repatriation of the irregular migrants once investigations into their activities are concluded.
This move is part of a broader effort to maintain national security and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s borders by addressing both the symptoms and root causes of irregular migration and cybercrime.
The recent operation in Kano State reflects a step by Nigerian authorities to combat the twin challenges of cybercrime and illegal migration. The ongoing investigations and planned repatriations demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding the country’s security and the welfare of its citizens.