Chadian students enrolled in universities in Nigeria’s Plateau State are raising alarms over threats of forced repatriation by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), following recent arrests and warnings of imminent deportation. In a formal letter dated April 14, addressed to the Chadian Embassy in Abuja, the Chadian Students Association in Jos reported that several students were detained by immigration officers for allegedly having incomplete or irregular residency documentation. The students were given 24 hours to leave the country, sparking widespread panic within the community.
The Association described the move as a serious disruption to their education and safety, warning that abrupt deportations could lead to the loss of academic years and psychological trauma. They have urgently called on the Chadian Embassy to provide consular protection to the affected students, and work toward a diplomatic resolution that enables them to continue their education. Many of the students involved are legally enrolled in institutions like the University of Jos and Plateau State Polytechnic, and claim to have valid educational permits. However, the NIS has recently stepped up enforcement of residency rules amid broader immigration control measures in Nigeria.
As of now, the Chadian Embassy has not issued a public response, and the fate of dozens of students remains uncertain. Observers warn that the situation could strain Chad-Nigeria diplomatic relations, especially if students are deported en masse without due process or consular access. Rights groups are also monitoring the developments, citing international protections for foreign students. The incident underscores growing regional tensions over migration enforcement, even within West and Central Africa, where ECOWAS and CEMAC mobility frameworks are increasingly being challenged by domestic immigration crackdowns.
