By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Department of Immigration in Zambia has apprehended 15 Ethiopian nationals in a suspected human trafficking case.
Immigration Chief Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka, said the 15 individuals, were among suspects apprehended on 22nd March, 2026 following an operation by the Lusaka Regional Immigration Office into a suspected human smuggling case.
“Acting on a tip-off from a car hire company, officers traced a diverted hired vehicle to Lusaka near Texilla American University, where it was found alongside two other cars suspected to be facilitating the illegal movement,” Mr. Nshinka explained.
He further explained that during the interception, one suspect, believed to be a Lebanese national, discharged a firearm in an attempt to evade capture, prompting the Ethiopians to flee while the two vehicles escaped.
“However, through a coordinated effort involving Immigration Officers and other security personnel, all the 15 suspects were apprehended and are currently in custody pending further investigations and possible prosecution,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Immigration authorities removed 119 illegal immigrants from Zambia, between 20th and 22nd March, 2026.
Those deported include 54 Ethiopian nationals who were removed via Kenneth Kaunda International Airport after paying court fines for immigration offences, and 39 Zimbabwean nationals removed through Chirundu Border Control, among whom 36 paid fines while three were deported aftert serving prison sentences.
“Further, on 20th March 2026, the Lusaka Regional Immigration Office conducted a clean-up operation within Lusaka, resulting in the apprehension of 33 suspected illegal immigrants of various nationalities.
Zambian national was also nabbed for obstructing Immigration Officers in the execution of their duties,” Mr. Nshinka revealed.
He added that between 20th and 22nd March, 2026 the Department of Immigration apprehended 45 suspected illegal immigrants and refused entry to four foreign nationals for failing to meet entry requirements.
“The Department of Immigration commends members of the public and cooperating partners for their continued support in providing actionable information that aids in combating illegal immigration and transnational organised crime,” he said.
Harboring or aiding illegal immigrants is a serious offence under the laws of Zambia and may lead to prosecution.
