The Department of Immigration in Lusaka has detained 186 suspected illegal immigrants following a successful clean-up operation conducted on Saturday, 2nd November, 2024.
The operation dubbed Operation Spider, aimed to rid Lusaka City of illegal immigrants.

It covered various parts of Lusaka, including Matero, Lilanda, Chazanga, Emmasdale, and COMESA Market. A total of 280 persons were initially nabbed during the operation, out of which 94, including 79 Zambians, were released unconditionally after preliminary screening.

Those detained were 62 Tanzanians, 58 Burundians, 41 persons claiming to be Zambians, 22 Congolese, two Ugandans, and one Rwandese.

Regrettably, some Matero residents were uncooperative and hostile towards the Immigration Officers, shuttering the windscreens of two vehicles used during the operation. Others deliberately stirred confusion so that they could loot shops belonging to some suspected illegal immigrants.

The Department is disappointed by the actions of the residents. We wish to warn members of the public to desist from obstructing Officers in the course of duty, as this is a serious offence.

Namati H. Nshinka (Mr)
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER.