Immigration probes major human-smuggling rings after over 100 suspects illegal immigrants arrested

The Department of Immigration has launched investigations after two major operations in Kapiri Mposhi and Mbala led to the arrest of more than 100 suspected illegal immigrants, along with several Zambians believed to have aided their movements.

In the first incident, 89 Ethiopian nationals were intercepted on Sunday, 23 November 2025, at the Kapiri Mposhi Turnoff following a tip-off from members of the public about a suspicious tanker truck.

The tanker, bearing registration numbers AJF 7250 and AJF 7218, is owned by Karan Transport Limited of Lusaka.

“When our officers arrived, they found the truck parked with no driver in sight. He is believed to have fled the scene and is currently on the run,” said Namati Nshinka, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Department, in a statement issued on Monday.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the immigrants had been concealed inside the empty tanker.

However, extreme heat and poor ventilation reportedly forced many to climb onto the roof, while others were seen at nearby shops attempting to buy food.

“Of the 89 detained, 61 were carrying only Ethiopian national identity cards, while 28 had passports lacking Zambian entry endorsements,” he said.

Authorities believe the group was transiting through Zambia en route to South Africa. All have been detained at Kapiri Mposhi Police Station, and the tanker has been impounded.

In a separate operation on 21 November, immigration officers in Mbala arrested 13 suspected illegal immigrants — ten Bangladeshi and three Pakistani nationals — along with three Zambians accused of facilitating their unlawful entry.

The group was found lodged in Senga Hill District, and two vehicles — a Toyota Mark X and a Toyota Ractis — were seized.

“We are warning drivers and transport operators to resist the temptation of facilitating illegal migration. Doing so puts them at serious risk of arrest, prosecution, and the possible forfeiture of their vehicles to the State,” Nshinka said.

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