News reports and police sources suggested that the crackdown was also linked to concerns over the alleged involvement of some foreign nationals in criminal activities. Specifically, the operation was reportedly focused on individuals suspected of:

The Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi acknowledged the deportation. They stated that while every sovereign country has the right to enforce its laws, they were concerned about the welfare of their citizens. The High Commission emphasized that the actions of a few individuals should not be used to stereotype the entire Nigerian community in

It’s crucial to distinguish between illegal immigrants and the broader Nigerian community. India hosts a large number of Nigerian students who are enrolled in universities across the country and are residing there legally. Both Indian and Nigerian authorities have stressed that the deportation action was targeted specifically at those breaking the law, not at the law-abiding student community.