The Federal Government has announced the deportation of 828 illegal immigrants in 2024 as part of its intensified efforts to combat irregular migration and strengthen national security.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. He highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing migration challenges and ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s borders.
“In the last one year, 137 victims of trafficking were intercepted, and in 2024 alone, 828 foreigners were repatriated by the Nigerian Immigration Service,” the minister stated.
In addition to deportation efforts, the government has implemented sweeping reforms to modernise border operations and immigration systems. These measures include integrating Nigerian passports into the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Public Key Directory, enabling seamless global verification. A centralised Visa Approval Centre has also been established in Abuja to streamline visa processing and enhance efficiency. These initiatives aim to position Nigeria as a leader in secure and efficient immigration management.
To support these reforms, the government has constructed an 8.3-petabyte data centre, the largest of its kind in Nigeria, to handle the vast amounts of data generated by immigration activities.
