Nigeria Launches Decisive Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Residents
Nigeria Immigration Service launches nationwide crackdown on visa violators as amnesty window closes, demonstrating renewed commitment to border control and national sovereignty.
Nigeria Immigration Service officers conducting enforcement operations at a checkpoint
In a bold move to assert Nigeria's sovereign control over its borders, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has initiated a nationwide enforcement operation targeting foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas, following the expiration of the Federal Government's amnesty program on September 30, 2025.
Strategic Enforcement to Strengthen National Security
This decisive action comes as part of broader efforts to enhance Nigeria's national security framework, addressing concerns about unauthorized foreign presence in our territory. The amnesty program, which ran from July 5, 2025, offered non-citizens with expired documentation a chance to regularize their status without penalties.
Comprehensive Enforcement Measures
NIS spokesperson ACI Akinsola Akinlabi has outlined a robust penalty structure that demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to legislative compliance and sovereign governance. Violators now face:
- Immediate removal from Nigerian territory
- Substantial monetary penalties
- Potential long-term entry restrictions
Strengthening National Sovereignty
This enforcement initiative aligns with the current administration's focus on enhancing national security measures and protecting Nigerian interests. The move represents a significant step in regulating foreign labor presence and maintaining the integrity of our immigration system.
"This operation demonstrates Nigeria's unwavering commitment to protecting our borders and ensuring that all foreign nationals respect our laws," stated the NIS spokesperson.
The crackdown sends a clear message: Nigeria will no longer tolerate the circumvention of its immigration laws, marking a new era of strict enforcement and sovereign control over our borders.
Tunde Okoro
Nigerian journalist with a Pan-African voice. Covers politics, sovereignty, and social justice across West Africa.