Illegal immigration to Nigeria

As of 2013, illegal immigration in Nigeria is a serious problem and the border has become quite porous. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]} According to the government there are 1,497 illegal migration points to enter the country. ^[5] The government is investing millions to secure the border. ^[6] People from Niger are biggest group of illegal immigrants. ^[7]

Deportation of illegal immigrants

In 2024, the Nigerian Ministry of Interior said Federal Government deported 828 illegal immigrants as part of its efforts to combat irregular migration and improve national security. In February 2025, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) arrested and deported 155 foreigners who illegally crossed the country's border from neighbouring African countries including Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic. ^{[8] [9]}

Also in April 2025, the Nigerian authority deported a total of 62 people which included 51 men and 11 women, who were detained for illegal entry into the country from Mali. The move highlighted the concerns over irregular migration across West Africa’s porous borders and increased scrutiny of regional movement. ^[10]

It is thought that illegal immigration has contributed to the destabilizing situation in Northern Nigeria. ^[11]

References

1. "Illegal immigrants: Immigration to introduce border corps". People's Daily. Archived from the original on 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
2. "Immigration Service in fresh moves to put illegal aliens at". Guardian . Retrieved 2013-11-21.^{[ permanent dead link ]}
3. "Nigeria deports 22,000 illegal immigrants in six months". Daily Post . Retrieved 2013-11-21.
4. "22,000 immigrants repatriated from Nigeria - Africa - News - StarAfrica.com". En.starafrica.com. 2013-08-23. Archived from the original on 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2013-11-22.
5. "FG Uncovers 1,497 Illegal Migration Routes into Nigeria". This Day . Archived from the original on 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2012-04-02.
6. "Immigration seeks govt assistance for effective security". Punch . Archived from the original on 2012-04-06. Retrieved 2012-04-02.
7. "Nigeriens top illegal aliens in Nigeria –Immigration". The Punch. Archived from the original on 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
8. Odeniyi, Solomon (2025-02-23). "Immigration deports 155 foreigners". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
9. Obarayese, Sikiru (2025-01-28). "Nigeria deported 828 illegal immigrants in 2024". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
10. Ekanem, Solomon (2025-04-20). "Nigeria deports dozens of illegal migrants back to military-run Mali". Business Insider Africa. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
11. Ekanem, Solomon (2025-01-28). "Nigerian immigration deports over 800 illegal immigrants". Business Insider Africa. Retrieved 2025-09-15.