Nigerian National Deported After 10 Years of Illegal Stay in India: Hyderabad's Crackdown on Visa Violations

The deportation is part of Hyderabad's intensified crackdown on foreign nationals overstaying their visas

Hyderabad authorities have successfully deported a Nigerian national who had been living illegally in India for more than ten years. This operation was carried out by the Hyderabad Narcotic Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) in collaboration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

This action is a significant component of H-NEW's enhanced efforts to address the issue of foreign nationals who remain in the country beyond their visa validity and engage in unlawful activities, with particular focus on drug trafficking operations.

The individual, identified as 43-year-old Johnkennedy Chukwuemeka Okoro from Imo State, Nigeria, initially entered Mumbai in 2012 with a business visa. Police investigations revealed that he subsequently moved between Bengaluru and Hyderabad frequently. Authorities confirmed that both his passport and visa had expired long ago, making his continued stay in India unauthorized.

Following reliable intelligence, H-NEW officials apprehended Okoro, who was also known by aliases such as 'Hopy Cup' and 'Jeksa,' within the jurisdiction of Hyderabad's Asif Nagar Police Station. While no narcotics were discovered during his arrest, officials verified his extended illegal residence and suspected involvement in drug-smuggling operations, which they believe provided him with substantial illicit income.

After his detention, H-NEW and FRRO officials worked together to confirm his identity and obtain the necessary travel documentation, ultimately resulting in his deportation back to Nigeria.

Law enforcement officials stated that "swift action" was implemented to prevent the individual from continuing illegal activities that could be "detrimental to national security."

This case highlights an ongoing challenge faced by Telangana law enforcement regarding foreign nationals who enter India through legal channels but overstay their permitted duration and become integrated into local drug distribution networks.

H-NEW was specifically established to combat the increasing problem of drug trafficking and substance abuse in Hyderabad. The agency routinely monitors foreign nationals whose visas have expired, who allegedly use their illegal status to participate in low-risk, high-profit drug distribution activities, often targeting students and young professionals.

Since its formation, H-NEW has concentrated on both disrupting drug supply chains and removing networks of illegal foreign residents involved in the narcotics trade. This recent action against Okoro adds to their growing list of successful operations.

According to police sources, H-NEW has deported at least 22 foreign nationals for illegal stays and other undesirable activities since its establishment, with a significant number occurring in the current year alone.

H-NEW has also encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and report any information related to drug abuse or illegal foreign residents. Those with relevant information can contact H-NEW at 8712661601.

Additionally, parents have been advised to monitor their children's activities to protect them from potential drug addiction.