The Nigerian Immigration Service has arrested more than 90 undocumented migrants across Rivers State as part of heightened enforcement operations.
The Comptroller of NIS in Rivers State, CIS Yabagi Abdulmajeed, confirmed the arrests during a visit to the Secretary to the State Government, Benibo Alabraba, in Port Harcourt. He said the individuals were apprehended in multiple locations by officers conducting routine surveillance and compliance checks.
Abdulmajeed warned residents against shielding or collaborating with undocumented foreign nationals, stating that such actions pose risks to public safety and undermine national security. He added that the command has intensified monitoring to ensure all foreign nationals comply with immigration laws.
Alabraba urged strict enforcement of the recently reviewed Expatriate Administration System policy, which includes the Expatriate Quota programme. He said the framework was established to guarantee technology transfer and strengthen local manpower development.
He explained that attaching Nigerian personnel to foreign workers will ensure knowledge exchange and support the state’s effort to expand technical capacity and industrial output. He emphasized that no expatriate should occupy roles that qualified Nigerians can perform.
The SSG stated that the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to supporting federal security agencies operating in the state. He noted that strong cooperation with NIS is essential for maintaining lawful migration and protecting livelihoods.
Alabraba said the state government will continue to create employment pathways and promote an enabling business environment while relying on immigration authorities to safeguard the labour market.
Abdulmajeed also highlighted ongoing reforms in the visa and passport system aimed at improving service efficiency and eliminating abuses. He reaffirmed that the command will sustain enforcement measures to prevent irregular migration and ensure full compliance with residency regulations.
