The Operations Cell of Delhi Police’s South West District has detained three Nigerian nationals for allegedly residing illegally in India, local media in the country reported on Saturday.
According to FirstIndia, the detainees, identified as 29-year-old Eloumuno Gabriel from Anambra, 33-year-old Chinedu Paulinus from Asaba, and 26-year-old Sunusi Sani from Lagos, are now facing deportation proceedings through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), New Delhi, following completion of legal formalities.
Police said the trio initially claimed to hold valid visas registered with the Nigerian embassy. Verification with the High Commission of Nigeria and India’s Immigration Department, however, revealed that they had overstayed their permitted duration and had not returned to Nigeria.
The suspects were intercepted in Sagarpur and Palam village areas after police received intelligence regarding the presence of illegal African migrants. When asked for identification, they were unable to produce valid visa documents and admitted to staying in India without authorization.
During the search of their mobile phones, officials discovered copies of the detainees’ passports and Nigerian national identity cards.
The men told police they had been working housekeeping jobs with other African nationals in Shahpura, Gurugram, and Noida, while residing in Dwarka Sector-01 near Palam village. They were reportedly seeking employment at the time of their detention.
Authorities noted that last month, FRRO detained another Nigerian national illegally staying in Chhatarpur after a local resident petitioned the Delhi High Court, claiming the individual had been living in rented premises without valid visa documentation.
The Delhi Police and FRRO have emphasised that deportation procedures are ongoing and are being carried out in accordance with Indian immigration laws.
