Nigerian national detained for residing illegally in north Cyprus for more than 6 years

Lefkoşa, Cyprus – A 25-year-old Nigerian man, has been detained after it was discovered he had been living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) without a valid residence permit for nearly six years.

The individual was apprehended on June 12, 2025, when he visited the Lefkoşa Police Directorate to request a record of his entry and exit history. During a routine immigration check, authorities discovered that he had overstayed his legal residency for 2,243 days since May 21, 2019.

Presenting the case before the court, the police noted that the suspect was taken into custody and an investigation was initiated. The police said that necessary procedures for his deportation are currently underway and requested an additional three days of detention to complete the process.

Appearing before the court, the individual stated that he had purchased a ticket to return to his home country on June 15 and expressed a desire to reunite with his family.

The case is part of broader efforts by TRNC authorities to crack down on illegal residency. 

As part of recent nationwide inspections, two individuals were also detained for residing in the country without legal status, with legal proceedings initiated against them.

The investigation remains ongoing.