Nigeria to deport 18 illegal immigrants from neighbouring Benin, Togo

Nigerian immigration says it has arrested 18 illegal immigrants from neighbouring Benin and Togo who are residing and working in the country illegally.

According to a News Agency of Nigeria report, the immigration command in the Ogun state in southwestern Nigeria made the arrest after a tip off following a directive by the state comptroller.

The spokesperson of the immigration service in the state, Olaniyi Mobolaji, announced that the 18 arrested at Akonu village consist of 10 Benin nationals and 8 Togolese.

He added that they will be repatriated after profiling.

Nigeria shares a border with Benin which also shares a border with Togo. The three countries are members of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS).

Per the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement, nationals of member states have the right of visa-free entry and the right of residency if citizens obtain an ECOWAS residence card or permit in fellow member state.

The right to establish a business in member state is still under implementation.