Immigration arrest 127 for cybercrime in Kano, NEMA receives 111 returnees from Niger

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has apprehended 127 foreign nationals in Kano State for their involvement in cybercrime and irregular migration.

The arrests took place in the Hotoro Ring Road area of Nasarawa Local Council following a targeted operation based on credible intelligence.

According to the Kano State Comptroller of Immigration, Kabir Danja, the operation led to the arrest of 206 individuals, including 86 Nigeriens, 41 Chadians, and 80 Nigerians.

The suspects, aged between 25 and 35, comprised 185 males and 21 females. Danja disclosed that many of the foreign nationals had entered Nigeria through unauthorized routes and lacked valid travel or residency documents.

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The 80 Nigerian suspects have been handed over to the police for further investigation, while the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, has ordered the repatriation of the irregular migrants after the conclusion of investigations.

In a separate development, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 111 Nigerian returnees from Niamey, Niger Republic, as part of ongoing voluntary repatriation efforts. This was announced via NEMA’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

The repatriation, facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with key migrant support agencies, saw the returnees arrive at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) at 7:20 p.m. on May 26, 2025.

NEMA reported that the group consisted of 87 adult males, eight male children, eight adult females, and eight female children.

Upon arrival, the returnees were taken to Chilla Hotel, where they underwent profiling and documentation on May 27.

These developments highlight the continued efforts of Nigerian authorities to address issues related to irregular migration, cybercrime, and the safe reintegration of returning citizens.