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The Department of Immigration has uncovered a suspected human smuggling network after detaining more than 90 Ethiopian nationals for immigration-related offences in coordinated operations across Nyimba, Siavonga, and Mpika districts on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
The Department of Immigration said in Nyimba District, 30 male Ethiopian nationals aged between 16 and 25 were arrested for failing to report to the nearest immigration office upon entry.
It said that two Zambian nationals—Boyd Phiri, 38, a driver, and Chikema Samukenge, 45, a logistics officer, both of Altaf Memorial Hospital—were also apprehended for allegedly aiding the illegal entry and stay of the group.
Read more: Zambia Immigration Department confirms arrest of 24 for illegal entry
In a statement issued on Monday, Immigration Department Public Relations Manager, Namati Nshinka, ssaid the group was intercepted after police stopped an ambulance at Kacholola Checkpoint following intelligence from immigration officers.
“Police intercepted an ambulance belonging to Altaf Memorial Hospital, which approached the checkpoint with sirens on in an apparent attempt to avoid scrutiny. The search revealed 30 Ethiopian nationals concealed inside—a clear attempt to abuse emergency services to facilitate illegal movement of persons,” Nshinka said.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the immigrants were picked up from Katete. All suspects are currently detained in Nyimba as investigations continue, with possible prosecutions expected.
In a separate operation earlier the same day, a joint team of Immigration and Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) officers apprehended 48 Ethiopian nationals near Game Primary School in Siavonga District.
Nshinka emphasized the department’s commitment to dismantling human smuggling networks and enforcing immigration laws.
“We will not relent in our efforts to curb illegal immigration and hold accountable those who exploit vulnerable people for criminal gain,” he said.
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