A total of 531 Nigerians entered the United Kingdom through irregular routes between 2018 and the first quarter of 2025, according to official data released by the UK Home Office.

The figures, contained in the Home Office's latest statistics on irregular migration, showed that Nigerians accounted for a relatively small proportion of the thousands of people who arrived in the UK illegally during the period.

Nationals of countries experiencing armed conflict and political instability recorded significantly higher numbers within the period.

The data indicated that irregular migrants entered the UK through various routes, including small boat crossings across the English Channel, concealed entry in vehicles, and other unauthorised means.

According to the Home Office, the number of Nigerians who entered the UK illegally stood at 53 in 2018, 72 in 2019 and 89 in 2020.

The figure declined to 58 in 2021 before rising to 80 in 2022 and 94 in 2023.

In 2024, 61 Nigerians were recorded to have entered the UK through irregular routes, while 24 arrivals were documented in the first quarter of 2025.

The Home Office said the statistics form part of its efforts to monitor irregular migration trends and support policies aimed at tackling illegal entry, disrupting human trafficking and smuggling networks, and strengthening border security.

The report also showed that nationals of countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Eritrea and Sudan made up the largest share of people arriving in the UK through irregular routes during the review period, reflecting ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in those regions.

The latest figures come as the UK government continues to tighten immigration controls through stricter border enforcement measures and expanded international cooperation aimed at curbing illegal migration and dismantling organised smuggling networks.