By Cecilia Chiluba Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia Police Service in Serenje District, Central Province, has apprehended eleven suspected illegal immigrants, believed to be Ethiopian nationals.
The suspected illegal immigrants, were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation conducted on January 14, 2026, from 02:00 to 18:00 hours in Ndabala area.
Police Public Relations Officer, Godfrey Chilabi said the operation followed reports that some motorists were evading the Ndabala security checkpoint by using clandestine routes.
“Police officers were deployed to patrol the area, which led to the interception of motor vehicles suspected of being used to facilitate the movement of illegal immigrants.”
“During the operation, a Toyota Fortuner, registration number BCC 6741 ZM, and a Toyota Quantum, registration number CAA 2492 ZM, were intercepted, and six suspected illegal immigrants were apprehended,” Mr. Chilabi said.
He disclosed that the drivers of the intercepted cars escaped, abandoning the motor vehicles and the remaining suspected illegal immigrants.
Mr. Chilabi added that follow-up operations in the same area led to the apprehension of five suspected illegal immigrants who were hiding in a maize field.
He said this brings the total number of apprehended individuals to eleven, all of whom are currently in police custody.
Police have launched investigations to trace other suspects and recover two additional motor vehicles—a Toyota Mark X and an Isuzu—believed to be connected to the incident and currently at large.
“The Department of Immigration in Zambia has been engaged, and joint inquiries are underway,” he said.
