The expatriates, initially detained for alleged immigration violations and scheduled for deportation under Section 44 of the Immigration Act, were reportedly freed through behind-the-scenes lobbying allegedly facilitated by a retired senior officer.
According to an internal memo issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, the NIS directed that the individuals be taken back into custody immediately to allow for a full investigation and documentation of their immigration and employment records.
The five affected individuals are:
- Zhang Damou (46), Sales Manager
- Qian Jin (48), Sales Manager on Temporary Work Permit (TWP)
- Tang Pan (41), Interpreter on TWP
- Lin Jianfeng (52), Business Manager on TWP
- Guo Zhengheng (40), Sales Manager on Business Visa
Officials confirmed that the arrests were based on infractions of Sections 36, 38, 56, and 105 of the Immigration Act, 2015. While the first arrest operation followed due process, the controversial release sparked criticism and cast doubt on the Service’s internal discipline.
Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, now faces growing pressure to not only resolve the case but also tackle wider concerns over alleged misconduct within the agency. Civil society groups have called for greater transparency and tougher enforcement to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s immigration system.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior has ordered a review of all expatriate quotas and permits granted to Royal Castle Ceramics and other manufacturing companies, citing what it described as “widespread abuse of immigration privileges” in the country’s industrial sector.
