531 Nigerians Detected Entering UK Illegally Since 2018

According to data from the UK Home Office, 531 Nigerians were detected entering the United Kingdom illegally from the first quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2026. Of these, 297 arrived by air without valid travel documents, while 175 crossed the English Channel in small boats.

The report indicates that 163 Nigerians who arrived by small boat raised asylum claims, with a grant rate of 16.8%. This rate is significantly lower than the global small boat asylum grant rate of 59.6%.

The data shows that Nigeria ranks 10th among African nations for illegal entries, with Eritrea leading. The figures reveal a peak in illegal entries in 2022, with a total of 92 detected Nigerians that year.

The report also highlights a significant increase in illegal entries from African nations, with a 93% surge in 2025. The UK government has enacted measures to address illegal migration, including the Illegal Migration Act 2023.