The Kano command of the Nigeria Immigration Service has begun the repatriation of illegal immigrants arrested in the state.
In an interview with Channels Television, the Comptroller-Immigration Service in Kano, Hashimu Maishanu says so far about 551 Nigeriens were repatriated.
Early this month, the Nigeria Immigration Service began a mop up exercise during which 667 illegal immigrants were arrested in many locations within Kano state.
Mr Maishanu stated that from the exercise, a total number of 485 Nigeriens males and 16 females were repatriated back home while 37 others including 9 Chadians and three Cameroonian females are currently waiting for repatriation.
Meanwhile, 117 Nigeriens arrested during the exercise were released after screening.
Although there was no any evidence of illegal activities by the immigrants, some of them told Channels Television that they are ready to obtain necessary documents before returning to Nigeria.
As the exercise continues, the idea according to Nigeria Immigration Service is to ensure internal security in Nigeria and that the exercise will not only be limited to ECOWAS member countries alone.
