The Federal Government has dismissed eight officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service, compulsorily retired five officers and reduced the ranks of eight others for various acts of misconducts. The government also dismissed two junior personnel from the Service for criminal acts bothering on kidnapping, stealing and illegal possession of fire arms.

Mass Deportation: Nigeria deports over 50 foreigners for internet fraud, others.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has deported 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes back to their home countries, marking the completion of a large-scale repatriation exercise that involved a total of 192 convicts.

According to official sources, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) coordinated the deportations in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), in line with court directives and immigration protocols.

The deported convicts include citizens of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. They were expelled in coordinated phases between August and mid-October 2025, following their conviction by the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and Ponzi scheme operations.

The crackdown originated from a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, which led to the arrest of 759 suspects.

The first batch of 42 convicts primarily Chinese and Filipino nationals was deported on August 15, 2025, while the final group of 51, including 50 Chinese citizens and one Tunisian, was repatriated on October 16, 2025.

Investigations revealed that the convicts were part of a sophisticated cybercrime and Ponzi network operating under Genting International Co. Limited, where they allegedly trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms targeting victims both locally and abroad.

The deportation, authorities said, brings the multi-agency cybercrime crackdown to a decisive close and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to fighting transnational digital fraud and financial crimes.

FG deports 51 foreign nationals convicted of cybercrimes.

”All the deported convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested with their Nigerian accomplices, believed to be members of a sophisticated cybercrime and ponzi scheme syndicate.

”The syndicate was said to be operating under the cover of Genting International Co. Limited.

”The operation, based on credible, actionable intelligence, and subsequent investigations, confirmed that the convicted foreigners were involved in large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes.”

According to him, evidence revealed that they trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms aimed at defrauding victims both locally and internationally.

The Nigeria Immigration Service deported them as directed by the court,

UK Tightens Immigration Rules, Cuts Post-Study Visa to 18 Months.

The British government has unveiled sweeping immigration reforms that include stricter English language requirements and a reduction of the post-study visa period for international graduates from two years to 18 months.

Announced on Tuesday by the Home Office as part of its new immigration white paper and Plan for Change, the measures aim to create what the government calls a “controlled, selective and fair” system.

Under the revised policy, migrants applying through designated legal routes must now pass a Secure English Language Test equivalent to A-level proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The test, to be conducted by approved providers, will be verified during visa processing.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the reforms reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring migrants integrate and contribute meaningfully to British society.
“This country welcomes those who come here to contribute,” she said. “But it’s unacceptable for anyone to arrive without learning our language or taking part in our national life.”

Effective January 1, 2027, international graduates will only be allowed to remain in the UK for 18 months after completing their studies, a move the government says is based on data showing that many were not moving into graduate-level employment as intended.

The reforms also include a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) for employers sponsoring foreign workers — the first adjustment since 2017. The additional revenue will fund training for British workers and help reduce dependence on overseas recruitment.

From the 2025–2026 academic year, international students will face higher financial proof requirements to ensure they can support themselves while studying in the UK.

Other key updates include an expansion of the High Potential Individual (HPI) route now open to graduates from the world’s top 100 universities, with an annual cap of 8,000 applicants and enhancements to the Global Talent route to attract top researchers and creative professionals.

Shehu Sani Mocks Labour Party Over Outrage at Governor Mbah’s Defection: “You Left Africa to Syria, They Left to Spain”


Former Nigerian senator, Shehu Sani, has taken a swipe at critics of Governor Peter Mbah’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC)—especially those from the Labour Party (LP)—accusing them of hypocrisy and selective outrage.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Sani reacted to comments made by Peter Obi, who had downplayed the political impact of Mbah’s defection but criticized the trend of cross-party movement among politicians.

Sani questioned why members of the Labour Party should be angry over a PDP member joining the APC, pointing out that many within the LP themselves were originally from the PDP.

Using his trademark humor, Sani drew a colorful analogy:

“You left Africa to Syria, and they left Africa to Spain. You are angry because they didn’t follow your route. You saw the vision and left; they only trailed your footsteps. The defectors only divorced the wife you once divorced.”


The former lawmaker argued that political migration has long been part of Nigeria’s political culture, and it was inconsistent for politicians to condemn defections when they had once done the same.

Sani’s remarks came after Obi clarified that Governor Mbah’s defection does not represent a regional political takeover, insisting that good governance—not party affiliation—should determine political support.

However, Sani’s post reframed the conversation, suggesting that Nigeria’s political class is caught in a revolving door of defections, where party switches are more about personal ambition than ideology.

His witty metaphor quickly went viral, reigniting debates about loyalty, integrity, and the fluid nature of political alliances in the country.

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Former US president George W. Bush's favourite chef deported for crossing the border illegally in 1989.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported a chef who had been living in the United States for 36 years and catered events related to the White House during the administration of former President George W. Bush.

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, wrote in a statement: “Sergio Garcia Silva is a CRIMINAL. This criminal illegal alien from Mexico was previously removed from this country in March 2025, over 20 years after a judge issued him a final order of removal. He chose to ignore our laws and illegally re-enter the country, a federal felony offense.

This lawbreaker was arrested by Border Patrol and was convicted for illegal re-entry. Bottom line: Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you break the law, you will face the consequences. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.”

The case of Garcia—a chef who lived in Waco, Texas, and first came to the United States in 1989—underscores the concerns raised about deportations and has rattled the local community.

Garcia entered the U.S. when he was 29 years old and did not plan to stay long in the country, reported The Waco Bridge. But he began working at restaurants in Texas and made friends, even meeting his future wife, Sandra, and ended up overstaying his visa. He would sell ceviche out of Styrofoam cups at his local soccer field and opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 1995.

During Bush’s presidency, members of the White House press corps frequently visited his restaurant, and he eventually began catering events.

They started a family and lived in the U.S. for 36 years with no issues—he had no criminal record other than a decades-old deportation order, the Bridge reported. But in March of this year, ICE agents arrested him at his food truck. Within one day, he had been deported across to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

He attempted to take a bus to Monterrey, where his wife’s family lives, but was instead taken to a “compound” and extorted for money to help him cross the border, he told the publication. He was not able to contact his family for 36 days. He was apprehended at the border and spent the next month in a detention center before being flown to Chiapas.

If you’re in the UK illegally you will be detained and deported — Kemi Badenoch Unveils “Radical Borders Plan”.

UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has unveiled what she calls the “toughest reforms Britain has ever seen” on immigration, announcing a sweeping new plan aimed at tightening border controls and expelling illegal migrants more rapidly.

In a video message shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Badenoch launched a new Removals Force, modelled on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, tasked with deporting 150,000 illegal migrants every year.

“My message is clear: if you’re here illegally, you will be detained and deported,” she declared. Dubbed the “Radical Borders Plan,” the proposal includes a series of hardline measures: banning asylum claims from illegal entrants, withdrawing the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), repealing the Human Rights Act, and fast-tracking deportations within one week.

The plan also calls for visa sanctions on countries that refuse to take back their citizens. Badenoch sharply criticised previous Conservative and Labour governments for what she described as decades of failure on immigration policy. She accused Labour of record illegal crossings and mismanagement of taxpayer funds spent on asylum accommodation.

“Successive governments have failed on immigration,” she said. “Labour promised to smash the gangs. Instead, in just a year, they delivered record small boat crossings — over 50,000 illegal arrivals, 32,000 people in asylum hotels, and billions wasted. It’s pure weakness.”

The Conservative leader argued that her proposed reforms would “shut down the asylum hotel racket,” save billions of pounds in public spending, and restore public trust in the country’s border system.

“Only the Conservatives have a serious, credible plan to deliver stronger borders,” Badenoch concluded. “If you come here illegally, you will be deported.”

US offers $2,500 incentive for migrants to return to their home countries.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly developing a new program that would offer unaccompanied migrant teenagers a $2,500 incentive to voluntarily return to their countries of origin, according to a CNN report citing an internal administration memo.

Under the proposed initiative, the pilot phase would target 17-year-old migrants, with each case requiring approval from an immigration judge. The payment described as a “reintegration stipend” would be disbursed after the minor’s arrival in their home country to help them resettle.

Officials say the measure aims to reduce long-term detention costs and encourage voluntary returns. The plan mirrors an existing Trump-era program that offers $1,000 “exit bonuses” to undocumented adults who opt for self-deportation, a move the government has defended as a more cost-effective and humane approach than forced deportation.

An ICE spokesperson emphasized that the new program would be entirely voluntary, adding that it is designed to allow minors “to make an informed decision about their future.” As of October 2, about 2,100 unaccompanied children were in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services.

However, immigrant rights advocates have condemned the plan, warning that financial incentives could pressure vulnerable youths into returning to unsafe or unstable conditions.

“There is no legitimate reason for the government to incentivize voluntary departure with a financial payoff,” said Neha Desai of the National Center for Youth Law.

Critics argue that the initiative undermines long-standing U.S. protections for migrant children, potentially reigniting debates over the ethics of the country’s immigration and deportation practices.

Trump govt offers migrant teens $2,500 to voluntarily leave US.

The Department of Homeland Security is preparing to offer unaccompanied migrant teenagers in the U.S. a $2,500 payment if they voluntarily return to their home countries, CNN reports.

According to an administration memo, the initiative would begin with 17-year-old migrants and require approval from an immigration judge.

The payment would be issued after arrival in their home country to help with “reintegration efforts.”

The Trump administration already provides $1,000 “exit bonuses” to undocumented adults who choose self-deportation, citing the approach as more cost-effective than detention and deportation.

An ICE spokesperson confirmed that the program is “strictly voluntary” and allows minors “to make an informed decision about their future.”

As of October 2, roughly 2,100 unaccompanied minors were in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Critics, however, argue that paying children to leave undermines long-standing protections for vulnerable migrant youths under U.S. law.

“There is no legitimate reason for the government to incentivize voluntary departure with a financial payoff,” said Neha Desai of the National Center for Youth Law.

Immigrant advocates warn the policy could pressure children to return to unsafe conditions, reigniting debates over how the administration handles unaccompanied minors at the border.

NIS Begins Crackdown on Foreigners with Expired Visas From October 1.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched enforcement against foreign nationals who overstayed their visas or breached entry conditions, following the expiration of the Federal Government’s Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty) on September 30, 2025.

The program, introduced in May 2025, gave foreigners with expired immigration status the chance to regularize their stay or exit Nigeria without penalties. 

Initially set for three months, the grace period was later extended to September 30.

In a notice signed by ACI Kinsola Akinlabi, NIS spokesperson, the agency confirmed that from October 1, enforcement would begin nationwide. The crackdown targets holders of expired Visas on Arrival, expired short visit or business visas, and lapsed Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Cards (CERPAC).

Penalties for violators include, Less than 3 months overstay: removal, $15 daily fine, or 2-year entry ban, 3 months to 1 year: removal, $15 daily fine, or 5-year ban, over 1 year removal, 10-year ban, or permanent ban.

The NIS stressed that foreigners who fail to regularize their status will face sanctions ranging from fines to deportation and entry restrictions. 

The Service said the enforcement is part of ongoing reforms, including the shift to e-Visas and automated immigration processes, aimed at strengthening national security and order.

US to deport hundreds of Iranians after deal with Tehran.

The United States is planning to deport some 400 Iranians, most of whom entered the country illegally, as part of US President Donald Trump’s broader crackdown on immigration.

“In the first step, they decided to deport 120 Iranians who entered the US illegally, most of whom through Mexico,” the Iranian foreign ministry’s director general for parliament affairs, senior Iranian official Hossein Noushabadi, told the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

The deportation, an uncommon instance of cooperation between the two countries, came after months of talks, according to the New York Times, which first reported the move.

Noushabadi said the US was “planning to deport around 400 Iranians, most of whom entered the country illegally, in line with the new anti-immigrant approach of the US government.”

The first group of 120 would reach Iran in the next one or two days, he said.

The New York Times reported that a US-chartered flight took off from Louisiana on Monday and was scheduled to arrive in Iran via Qatar sometime on Tuesday.

Some of the Iranians had volunteered to leave after being in detention centers for months, and some had not, the newspaper said.

Noushabadi called on Washington to respect the rights of Iranian migrants in the United States.

Nigerian man arrested in India for allegedly duping over 100 women through app.

A 29-year-old Nigerian national was arrested from west Delhi's Tilak Nagar for allegedly duping more than 100 women from across India by posing as a UK-based Korean businessman on a language exchange app.

Stephane alias Dominic, was picked up from his rented accommodation, the police said on Monday, September 29.

Explaining his modus operandi, police said Dominic used an app, which helps users practise languages by chatting with native speakers around the world, to target single women and gain their trust.

He would then claim to be stranded at immigration with large-value cheques or documents pending clearance.

His associates would impersonate officials over phone calls to demand money, which victims would transfer digitally.

Dominic would allegedly introduce himself as Duck Young, a Korean jewellery businessman settled in the UK, and would lure women with false promises of personal relationships and business partnerships, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Prashant Gautam said.

The matter came to light after a woman, Anjali, filed a complaint on September 24, alleging that she had been conned out of Rs 48,500.

According to the police, she met "Duck Young" through the app, who later claimed he was detained at the Mumbai airport for travelling without a medical facility card.

Tinubu Breaks Decades of Career Stagnation in Paramilitary Services – Interior Minister

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ending decades of career stagnation within Nigeria’s paramilitary services through reforms anchored on merit, welfare, and transparency.

Speaking in Abuja during the decoration of newly appointed senior officers across the four agencies under the ministry — the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Federal Fire Service (FFS) — the minister said the promotions reflected competence and integrity.

According to him, the new ranks, which include Deputy Comptroller Generals, Deputy Controller Generals, and Deputy Commandant Generals, were not merely promotions but presidential appointments based on performance and fairness.

“Your appointment is not courtesy. If you are good enough to be a DCG, then you are good enough to be a CG,” Tunji-Ojo emphasized.


He revealed that the officers’ examinations were independently conducted by the National Army Resource Centre and later ratified by the appropriate board. While federal character was applied to ensure inclusiveness, merit and seniority remained the guiding principles.

The minister commended President Tinubu for reforms that have restored dignity to the services, noting that more than 52,000 officers have been promoted in just two years, reversing years of irregular promotions that forced many competent officers into premature retirement.

Tunji-Ojo highlighted welfare improvements, including increased salaries, peculiar allowances, eradication of career stagnation, and approval of life pensions for retired DCGs and CGs.

He also tasked the agencies with renewed responsibility:

Immigration Service – secure and strengthen border governance.

Correctional Service – transform prisons into centres of rehabilitation.

Fire Service – evolve into a frontline rescue agency.

NSCDC – safeguard critical national assets.


“The time to rise to your responsibility is not tomorrow. It began yesterday. Be catalysts of change and show that the government did not make a mistake in entrusting you with these mandates,” he urged.


The minister also underscored the fairness of the promotion system, recalling how a female officer narrowly missed promotion in the past by just 0.25 marks, but has now been elevated based on merit.

Representing the newly decorated officers, Dr. Ngozi Odikpo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his trust and vision, pledging that they would serve Nigeria with dedication, discipline, and integrity.

She also lauded the Minister of Interior for his leadership and the CGs of the various services for their mentorship, assuring Nigerians that the new appointees would uphold the highest standards of service.

Source: NAN

Japan Cancels Africa ‘Hometown’ Initiative Amid Backlash Over Nigeria Visa Claims.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has cancelled its “Africa Hometown” initiative, citing “misunderstandings and confusion” surrounding the project.

JICA President Tanaka Akihiko announced the decision at a press briefing on Thursday, following controversy over claims that Japan planned to create a special visa category for Nigerians wishing to relocate to Kisarazu, the city designated as Nigeria’s “hometown.”

On August 26, Japan dismissed the reports, which had been circulated in a statement by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House in Nigeria. The statement had suggested that Japan would grant special visas to “highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians” to live and work in Kisarazu.

JICA explained that the very concept of designating Japanese cities as “hometowns” for African nations caused widespread confusion in Japan, while also placing an “excessive burden” on the four municipalities involved. The agency issued an apology to the cities: Kisarazu (Nigeria), Nagai (Tanzania), Sanjo (Ghana), and Imabari (Mozambique).

The partnerships were first announced on August 22 during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). However, the move triggered a wave of discontent in Japan, with citizens raising concerns online about public safety, resource strain, and potential visa overstays. Protests soon followed, demanding the cancellation of the agreement.

In a statement, JICA said it “takes this situation seriously” and, after consultations with stakeholders, decided to withdraw the initiative. The agency stressed that it has “never promoted immigration” and has no intention of doing so in the future.

Despite the cancellation, JICA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering international exchange and cooperation with African nations.

NDLEA Nabs Two Businessmen Returning From Brazil With 116 Wraps of Illicit Drugs in Lagos.

Two Brazil returnees, Ofoma Sunday and Ukachukwu Frank Ikechukwu, have excreted a total of 116 wraps of heroin and cocaine after days in observatory custody following their arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

This was disclosed in a statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Ofoma, 46, was arrested on Tuesday 16th September on arrival from Sao Paulo, Brazil, via Ethiopian Airlines. A body scan confirmed he ingested illicit drugs. 

He had travelled on 3rd September to courier the consignment for a promised $2,500. A follow-up raid at Eliata Hotel, Amuwo Odofin, led to the arrest of 55-year-old Nweke Jude Chuckwudi, designated to recover the drugs. Ofoma eventually excreted 111 wraps of heroin weighing 1.452kg in eight batches.

Similarly, Ukachukwu was arrested during inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines passengers from Brazil via Addis Ababa on Friday 19th September. 

A scan showed dr¥g insertion, and under observation, he excreted five large wraps of cocaine weighing 145 grams.

In his statement, Ukachukwu confessed: “I bought nine wraps of cocaine in Brazil and inserted them into my anus. The process took me nearly two hours. During transit in Addis Ababa, I felt severe anal pain and removed all the wraps. In a rush to catch my connecting flight, I could only reinsert seven and flushed two. On the flight to Lagos, I felt pressed and expelled two more in the lavatory, leaving five inside me.”

He further revealed he had been in the clothing business before moving to Brazil in 2017, later relocating to the U.S., where he was arrested for immigration offences and deported in 2022. In March 2025, he returned to Brazil after securing a residence permit.

Trump Raises H-1B Visa Fee to $100,000, Launches New “Gold Card” Residency Program

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order sharply increasing the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, a move expected to significantly impact America’s technology sector.

The order coincides with the introduction of a new “gold card” residency program, which offers fast-tracked US residency for $1 million, or $2 million if paid via corporate sponsorship.

“The main thing is, we’re going to have great people coming in, and they’re going to be paying,” Trump said Friday in the Oval Office as he signed the measures.

The H-1B visa program enables US companies to employ foreign professionals with specialized skills—including scientists, engineers, and programmers—for an initial three-year period, renewable up to six years. Each year, 85,000 slots are available through a lottery system, with Indian applicants historically receiving about 75% of the visas. These visas are critical for US tech firms seeking to fill skill gaps.

Industry leaders, including Elon Musk, have previously warned that restricting H-1B visas could hurt the tech industry, citing the shortage of domestic talent in key sectors.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, present at the signing, stated, “All the big companies are on board.”

During his first term, Trump attempted to limit which jobs qualified for H-1B sponsorship, but courts blocked those efforts. The new order represents a continuation of his broader immigration restrictions in his second term.

Under the new rules:

The $100,000 fee applies to new H-1B applicants starting Sunday.

The Secretary of Homeland Security can grant exemptions for certain individuals, companies, or industries.

The order is set to remain in effect for one year, with potential extensions by the President.


Demand for H-1B visas has surged in recent years, reaching a record high in 2022 under President Joe Biden. In 2024, about 400,000 visas were approved, primarily renewals.

Trump emphasized that the gold card program will attract wealthy investors, saying, “I think it’s going to be tremendously successful.”

Previously, Nigeria and several other African nations were affected by a 15% import tariff following a separate executive order signed by Trump.

Immigration Officer in Court for Allegedly Tear-Gassing Neighbour’s Family in Adamawa.

‎An officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Daniel Daniran David, was arraigned before Upper Area Court II in Yola, Adamawa State, on Monday, facing charges of assault, public nuisance, and related offenses after allegedly attacking his neighbour’s family with tear gas.

‎The case, presided over by Hon. Japhet Ibrahim Basani, stems from a direct criminal complaint filed by Yusuf Adamu Ziradzo and his wife, Precious Ndogolare Yusuf, through their counsel, H.E. Turaso Esq. The complainants, who reside in the same compound as the defendant at Jifiya Suites in Jimeta, Yola North LGA, accused David of committing offenses under sections 153, 167, 217, 240, and 241 of the Adamawa State Penal Code.

‎According to the complainants, the incident occurred between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on September 6, 2025. Precious noticed their compound’s main gate was open and went to close it, citing a previous robbery attempt. Later, when David returned and found the gate locked, he allegedly demanded to know who closed it. Upon learning it was Precious, the defendant reportedly went to the complainants’ window and sprayed tear gas into their bedroom, where the couple and their four children were sleeping.

‎The tear gas caused immediate distress, with the children coughing, sneezing, and running in panic. Yusuf described the chaotic scene, stating that the family rushed to a hospital for treatment. The children, traumatized by the incident, pleaded not to return home, having suffered shock from the ordeal.

‎When the charges were read to David, he pleaded not guilty. His counsel, D.S. Adebole Esq., applied for bail, assuring the court of a reliable surety. Hon. Basani granted the bail application and adjourned the case to September 25, 2025, for a report of settlement or the commencement of a full hearing.

‎The incident has sparked concern in the local community, raising questions about the conduct of public officials and the safety of residents in shared compounds.

Canada Rejects Over 1,596 Nigerian Asylum Claims in 2025.

Canada has denied 1,596 asylum applications from Nigerians between January and August 2025, fresh data from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) show. 

Out of 3,548 claims filed so far, 2,292 were accepted—an approval rate of about 65 per cent, higher than in previous years.

Nigeria remains one of the top sources of asylum seekers in Canada, alongside Mexico, India, Haiti and Colombia. Analysts link the surge to insecurity caused by Boko Haram and economic hardship. Most claimants are hosted in Ontario and Alberta.

Under Canadian law, the IRB grants protection if applicants meet the UN definition of refugees or face risks such as tort¥re or cruel treatment in their home countries. 

Social groups considered include women, LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV/AIDS. Claims are usually filed at ports of entry or through immigration officers before referral to the Refugee Protection Division.

Despite the recent rise in approvals, Nigerian claims have historically faced high rejection rates. Between 2013 and 2024, the IRB denied 13,171 applications and accepted 10,580. Rejections peaked in 2019 with 3,951 cases. In 2024 alone, 811 were denied, while 2,230 were approved.

Nigeria ranked eighth among the top 10 countries with the most successful claims last year, following Turkiye, Mexico, Colombia, Iran, Pakistan, Haiti, and Afghanistan.

Speaking on the trend, Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, said many Nigerians misunderstand refugee laws, leading to rejections. 

“Documentation is crucial. Coming irregularly gets you rejected. But migration must be safe, orderly and regular, and those truly in need of protection should be protected,” she said.

Deported Nigerians sue US, allege maltreatment during extradition flight to Ghana.

Three Nigerians who were recently deported from the United States and dumped in Ghana have approached a court in Washington DC to challenge their deportation.

The unnamed Nigerians and two fellow deportees from The Gambia also complained to the court about their alleged inhuman treatment during the 16hours flight from the US to Ghana.

They claimed, in the suit filed at the US District Court for the District of Columbia on Friday, that they were shackled and given only bread and water.

The suit was filed on their behalf by the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC).

Defendants in the suit are the US Secretary of Homeland Security,Acting Director US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Attorney General and Secretary of State.

The plaintiffs who were identified only with their initials of D.A.,T.L.,I.O.,D.S., and K.S.,alleged that they were woken up in the middle of the night on Sept. 5 at a detention centre in Alexandria, Louisiana and not told where they were going until hours into the flight on a U.S. military cargo plane.

Their lawyers described the deportation as a violation of not only the due process rights of immigrants, but a circumvention of deportation restrictions placed by immigration judges who determined those immigrants could not be returned to their home country.

“Defendants know that they may not, consistent with U.S. immigration law, directly deport non-citizens to countries from which they have been granted fear-based protection,” they added.