By 
In a sweeping operation that has sent shockwaves across the city, the Department of Immigration in Kitwe apprehended a staggering 165 individuals of various nationalities on Friday, in what officials are calling a decisive move against illegal immigration and related criminal activity.
The joint operation, conducted in Kitwe District and surrounding areas with support from other security agencies, targeted suspected immigration offenders and individuals living in the country without proper authorization.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Namati Nshinka, Chief Public Relations Officer for the Department of Immigration, initial screening led to the unconditional release of 104 individuals, most of whom presented valid immigration permits and were legally residing in Zambia.
Read more: 25 congolese, 9 Bangladeshis arrested in immigration operation
“However, 32 foreign nationals were served with formal notices to leave the country. These included 29 Tanzanians, two Chinese nationals, and one Vietnamese national,” he said.
Meanwhile, 7 Congolese nationals have been asked to report to the Kitwe Immigration Office on Monday, February 2, 2026, for further verification of their immigration status.
In a related development, a Zambian national was handed over to the Drug Enforcement Commission after being found in possession of psychotropic substances, highlighting concerns over the intersection of illegal immigration and criminal activity.
Authorities also detained 21 individuals pending further screening and possible prosecution.
Among them were seven undocumented persons whose nationalities remain unknown, six Chinese nationals suspected of working without valid permits, and four Congolese refugees and one Burundian refugee found outside designated settlements without authorization.
Three Tanzanian nationals also failed to provide documentation proving lawful presence in the country.
“The Department of Immigration appeals to members of the public to continue providing information on suspected immigration-related offences. Collective vigilance is critical in tackling illegal immigration and associated criminal activities,” Nshinka said.
This operation marks one of the largest enforcement actions in recent years in Kitwe, signalling a determined government effort to maintain lawful residency and curb cross-border crime.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments