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The Zambia Department of Immigration has removed 138 illegal immigrants from the country following a mass operation conducted between February 28 and March 2, 2026.
Speaking on Tuesday, Immigration Department Chief Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka, said the operation targeted foreign nationals found to be in Zambia unlawfully.
“During this operation, a total of one hundred and thirty-eight (138) illegal immigrants were removed from the country,” Nshinka said.
The individuals removed included 122 nationals of Burundi, six from Rwanda, five from Tanzania, three from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and two from Uganda.
Nshinka explained that most of those removed had previously been apprehended during a clean-up operation in Lusaka on February 15, where 110 people were detained for various immigration offences.
Some had paid court-imposed fines, while others were removed without prosecution in accordance with the law.
In a related incident, the Immigration Department in Nakonde on March 1 apprehended 26-year-old Burundian national Erick Irankunda for unlawful return to Zambia.
Read More: 165 detained in Lusaka Immigration sweep, more arrests recorded in Ndola
Irankunda had been among those removed earlier but was intercepted at a checkpoint aboard a Lusaka-bound Peace Soldier bus after allegedly re-entering the country just hours after his deportation.
“He is currently detained at Nakonde Police Station and has since been formally charged with unlawful return,” Nshinka said.
He added that Irankunda had initially been apprehended during the February 15 Lusaka operation for unlawful entry and stay.
Nshinka warned that unlawful return to Zambia after removal or deportation is a serious offence punishable under the Immigration and Deportation Act, Chapter 123 of the Laws of Zambia.
“We strongly warn that unlawful return to Zambia after removal or deportation is a serious offence that attracts prosecution,” he said.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of illegal immigration to the nearest immigration office.
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