The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Illela Border Command in Sokoto State, has confirmed the successful repatriation of 62 nationals from the Republic of Mali.
The Controller of the Command, Mr. Tony Akuneme, made this known in an official statement issued to the press, emphasizing the service’s continued efforts to manage irregular migration and strengthen national security.
According to Akuneme, the deportation was carried out through the Illela Control Post, a key international border facility linking Nigeria to neighboring West African countries.
The repatriated individuals were reportedly apprehended for violating immigration laws, although specific details regarding the nature of their offenses were not disclosed.
The Controller stated that the operation was conducted with full adherence to due process and international protocols guiding the repatriation of foreign nationals.
He further highlighted the cooperation between Nigerian authorities and Malian officials, noting that such collaborations are crucial in tackling illegal migration, human trafficking, and trans-border criminal activities.
“Border control is not just about national security—it is about regional stability,” Akuneme said. “We are working closely with our West African counterparts to ensure that our borders remain safe and free from unlawful movements.”
This latest development comes amid increasing efforts by the Nigerian government to clamp down on irregular migration, especially through the northern corridors that connect to Niger, Mali, and other Sahel regions.
It also reflects the NIS’s growing commitment to monitoring and enforcing migration regulations across all land borders.
The Illela Border Post, located in Sokoto State, has been a strategic point in Nigeria’s immigration control, given its proximity to some of the most active migration routes in West Africa.
Security personnel at the post have intensified surveillance and screening exercises, especially following reports of increasing cross-border movement due to regional conflicts and economic instability.
The Nigeria Immigration Service urges all foreign nationals residing in the country to ensure their documentation is in order and to comply with all legal entry and residency requirements.
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