Zambia’s immigration authorities have arrested 58 suspected illegal immigrants, including five Rwandans, during an enforcement operation conducted in the capital, Lusaka.
The suspects were apprehended during a crackdown carried out on Monday, March 9, 2026, across several parts of the city.
According to Namati Nshinka, Head of Public Relations at the Zambia Department of Immigration, the operation targeted multiple neighborhoods including Kamwala, Mtendere, PHI, Kabulonga, Woodlands, Chelstone, Chalala, and Chainda.
Speaking to Sound of Africa, Nshinka said those arrested comprised 47 Burundians, six Congolese nationals, and five Rwandans. They are currently being held at Kamulanga Police Station as investigations continue.
He added that the latest operation has brought the total number of suspected illegal immigrants arrested between March 6 and March 9, 2026, to 115.
Meanwhile, the Mpika Magistrate Court convicted five Congolese nationals for failing to present themselves to immigration authorities upon entering Zambia.
Nshinka explained that the five were arrested on February 23, 2026, during routine patrol operations conducted by police in Mpika.
During the same period, immigration authorities also deported 56 illegal immigrants and denied entry to four individuals who failed to meet Zambia’s immigration requirements.
Nshinka emphasized that the department will continue conducting enforcement operations aimed at ensuring compliance with immigration laws in the country.
