Indian authorities have apprehended two Nigerian nationals in Tolichowki, a suburb of Hyderabad, for overstaying their visas and alleged involvement in drug-related activities.

The individuals, identified as Aful Clement (29) and Lazarus Favour (19), were taken into custody on Wednesday by the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW). Authorities have initiated procedures for their deportation to Nigeria.

According to Metro India, Clement initially entered India on a business visa. He was previously arrested in 2022 by Chandigarh police in connection with a fraud case and served six months in jail. Following his release, he remained in India illegally, residing in Delhi despite his visa having expired in 2019 and without any legal employment.

Lazarus arrived in India on a student visa to pursue studies in science and technology but reportedly became involved with individuals engaged in drug trafficking.

Both men had recently relocated to Hyderabad from Bengaluru and were observed behaving suspiciously within the Tolichowki police jurisdiction.

Although no drugs were found in their possession at the time of arrest, authorities suspect their involvement in drug peddling. Officials deemed their activities a potential threat to national security, prompting H-NEW to work with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to begin the deportation process.