In a well-coordinated sweep across three districts, the Department of Immigration has exposed sophisticated migrant smuggling networks that used an ambulance with sirens blazing and private vehicles to ferry over 90 Ethiopian nationals into the country.
According to the Department, the operations were executed in the early hours of Sunday, 25th January 2026, in Nyimba, Siavonga, and Mpika Districts, leading to multiple arrests, impounded vehicles, and the detention of undocumented migrants.
???? Ambulance Turns into a Smuggling Vessel
In Nyimba District, officers detained 30 Ethiopian men, all aged between 16 and 25, after Police intercepted a Lusaka-bound ambulance from Altaf Memorial Hospital. The vehicle approached Kacholola Checkpoint with its sirens fully activated-apparently hoping to bypass scrutiny.
But officers stood their ground.
When the ambulance was searched, the shocking discovery was made: 30 migrants hidden inside. Only three had passports, and even those lacked immigration stamps.
Two Zambians-Boyd Phiri (38), a hospital driver, and Chikema Samukenge (45), a Logistics Officer-were arrested for aiding and abetting illegal entry and stay.
Siavonga: Drivers Flee, Leaving 48 Migrants Behind
At dawn in Siavonga, a joint team from Immigration and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) intercepted two Toyota Hiace minibuses near Game Primary School. Inside were 48 Ethiopian nationals.
As officers approached, the drivers believed to be Zambians—abandoned the vehicles and bolted into the bush. One driver even jumped out before the vehicle stopped, causing it to crash into a tree.
Of the 48 migrants, 28 had passports but with no immigration endorsements, while the rest were undocumented. All are now detained at Siavonga Police Station.
Mpika: Smugglers Escape Through the Bush
In Mpika District, a tip-off led officers to an illegal route near the TAZAMA Pipeline in Kaole Village. Two Mitsubishi Pajeros were intercepted, but the drivers disappeared into the nearby thicket, leaving behind 20 undocumented Ethiopian nationals.
Both vehicles have been impounded as investigations continue.
“We Remain Alert and Committed”
Chief Public Relations Officer Namati H. Nshinka praised the public for their vigilance, saying: “The Department of Immigration commends members of the public for their continued cooperation and vigilance and reiterates its commitment to safeguarding Zambia’s borders and upholding the Immigration and Deportation Act.”
Just to Unlock Your Mind
Migrant smuggling in Zambia has evolved - moving from the usual bush routes to more deceptive methods: ambulances with sirens, school-area pickups, and late-night convoys on illegal tracks. These networks are often well-coordinated, involving local drivers, foreign smugglers, and long routes stretching across borders.
What this latest operation shows is simple but powerful: border security is no longer just about checkpoints-it’s about intelligence, rapid coordination, and public alertness.
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