New Delhi: In a decisive operation targeting illegal immigration, the Delhi Police’s Dwarka District has apprehended 29 foreign nationals found staying in India without valid visas or legal documentation.
The crackdown, conducted in June 2025, led to the detention and subsequent deportation proceedings against individuals from several countries, including Bangladesh, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Liberia, Tanzania, and Benin.
The drive was carried out by various units of the Dwarka District police, including the Special Staff, Anti-Narcotics Cell, AATS (Anti Auto Theft Squad), and multiple police stations such as PS Dabri, PS Mohan Garden, and PS Uttam Nagar. The operation was conducted under the overall supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Dwarka.
Enforcement Efforts Intensified in Dwarka
According to Delhi Police officials, the operation forms part of an ongoing campaign to identify and act against foreign nationals residing illegally in the national capital.
Officials from operational units and local police stations have been gathering intelligence inputs and conducting targeted checks across various areas of Dwarka.
As per official data, the teams involved in the June operation included:
- Special Staff: 11 apprehensions
- PS Dabri: 7 apprehensions
- Anti-Narcotics Cell: 6 apprehensions
- PS Mohan Garden: 3 apprehensions
- AATS: 1 apprehension
- PS Uttam Nagar: 1 apprehension
All the individuals apprehended were found to be living in the country either on expired visas or without ever having obtained proper documentation.
Once detained, they were presented before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which issued deportation orders. Subsequently, they were sent to designated detention centres.
Breakdown of Nationalities
The largest group of foreign nationals apprehended were Bangladeshis, with a total of 18 individuals, including men, women, and minors. Most of them hailed from Kurigram district in Bangladesh. Other nationalities included:
- 4 from Ivory Coast
- 3 from Nigeria
- 2 from Liberia
- 1 from Tanzania
- 1 from Benin
Details of Apprehended Individuals
Among the Bangladesh nationals were multiple family units, including young children. The cases reflect not only illegal overstays but instances of unauthorized cross-border movement and entire families setting up residence without proper legal clearance.
From Ivory Coast, four individuals including Ali Bamba, Anicet Nda (aged 40), Chiaka Coulibuli, and Assi Eric were detained. Nigerian nationals included Basil Uwaebuka Chigbogh, Chinomso Uzorh (aged 40), and Basol Onyekachi Okwuenu. Two Liberians, Daniel Toe Tuweh (aged 62) and Martnis Sibiely (aged 42), were also caught residing unlawfully. One individual each from Benin and Tanzania was also found to be staying illegally in Dwarka.
Police Statement on the Crackdown
A senior police officer from Dwarka District stated, “Foreign nationals staying without valid documentation place an undue burden on local resources and sometimes become involved in unlawful activities. These enforcement drives help safeguard community safety and national security.”
The official added that such efforts will continue with increased intensity, especially in areas where intelligence inputs suggest a concentration of undocumented migrants.
Legal Procedure and Detention
All detained individuals were processed as per Indian immigration laws and were handed over to the FRRO. Upon assessment, the FRRO passed orders for deportation, and the individuals were transported to detention centres where they will remain until arrangements for their return to their respective countries are made.
Ongoing Surveillance and Public Cooperation
Delhi Police has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or undocumented foreign nationals in their vicinity. Officials emphasized that local cooperation is essential for the success of such operations.
The crackdown forms part of a larger national push to monitor foreign presence in urban hubs and enforce immigration regulations.
Dwarka District Police confirmed that intelligence-gathering and surveillance efforts would continue in July and the following months to ensure compliance with immigration norms.
