Over 625 Nigerians deported, 24 repatriated for criminal offences abroad in 2020 – Immigration

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has disclosed that a total of 625 Nigerians were deported and 24 repatriated for various criminal and immigration-related offences abroad in 2020.

This was contained in the “Review of NIS Operational Activities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, ABUJA(NAIA),” made available on Monday by the public relations officer of the NIS, Sunday James, adding that 12 foreign nationals who failed to comply with Nigerian entry requirement were refused admission and returned.

The statement said further that no fewer than 239,114 outbound and inbound migrants passed through NAIA, Abuja between 01st January 2020 and December 15, 2020.

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The statement said the NAIA command, within the period under review also received and handed over 100 Nigerians whose offences are not immigration-related to relevant agencies – drug-related issues, financial crimes, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.

“So far, 73,582 Nigerians and 46,665 non-Nigerians departed NAIA, Abuja for various destinations abroad. Similarly, 81,277 Nigerians and 37,590 non-Nigerians arrived through NAIA airport within the period under review,” the statement added.

It pointed out that 34 Nigerians predominantly females (young ladies) were refused departure for non-compliance and violation of immigration regulations and other extant laws.

“The young ladies were victims of human trafficking being transported for the purpose of forced prostitution and sex exploitation and were between the ages of 18 to 28.

“Their final destination was Dubai, UAE. Upon interception, they were profiled and forwarded to NIS Service Headquarter for further investigation and released to NAPTIP for rehabilitation.

“In the same vein, the change of operational strategy led to the uncovering of the persons recruiting and trafficking these ladies via sting operation where six recruiters/traffickers were apprehended (4 males and 2 females).