The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in Cross River State has raised serious concerns about the growing influx of illegal immigrants, particularly from neighboring Cameroon, into Calabar. Mrs. Arisha Ginika, who spoke on behalf of the state comptroller of immigration, Prisca Ogbodo, highlighted the increasing numbers of non-Nigerians entering the state through unrecognized routes, many without official documentation such as passports. The Immigration Service is actively working to address the situation by profiling and repatriating these illegal immigrants, especially those involved in criminal activities, including cybercrime, which has gained notoriety as “Hustling Kingdom.”
These individuals are reportedly occupying hotels, and the NIS is working closely with hotel owners to identify and report undocumented guests. Immigration authorities have also warned landlords and hoteliers against harboring illegal immigrants without proper authorization. Additionally, Ginika pointed out the difficulty in distinguishing between Nigerian nationals and Cameroonians due to shared language and ancestry among people from border communities such as Boki, Ikom, and Etung.
It’s worth noting that the illegal immigrants mentioned in this context differ from the refugees who fled the ongoing Ambazonian conflict in Cameroon, as they are officially registered and settled in camps in Ogoja and Akamkpa. The Immigration Service is focused on ensuring that the repatriation process is conducted according to legal procedures to maintain order and security in the state.
