Authorities in Uganda have detained 62 Nigerians along with 169 other foreign nationals in a sweeping operation targeting illegal immigration, suspected human trafficking, and cybercrime activities.

The arrests, which began on Monday, followed coordinated security raids focusing on a group of Nigerians residing in northern Uganda and another cluster of foreigners found in a heavily restricted residential complex in Kampala.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, those apprehended included citizens from several countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Many of the suspects were reportedly unable to present valid travel or immigration documents during the operation.

Officials disclosed that 169 individuals, including 36 women, were discovered within the Kampala facility, which was described as a self-contained compound with internal services designed to limit movement.

In a separate operation conducted on April 27, 2026, authorities arrested 62 Nigerians allegedly operating without proper work permits and engaging in various activities, including running a church.

The ministry explained that the crackdown was based on intelligence suggesting that large numbers of foreign nationals were living and working in the country without authorization. Some of those detained claimed they had been trafficked into Uganda under false promises of employment, while others were suspected of involvement in online fraud and other criminal activities.

Spokesperson Simon Peter Mundeyi stated that individuals identified as trafficking victims or visa overstayers would be assisted to leave the country at their own expense, whereas suspected organisers of trafficking operations would face prosecution and possible deportation.