In a coordinated operation carried out over the past few days, the police said Wednesday they had arrested 71 people after they were found to be living in the country irregularly.

During these inspections, which were held in various localities, including in Gozo - in Marsalforn, Xlendi and Victoria- as well as in Marsa, the police were assisted by officials from the Detention Services Agency.

The individuals are from Nigeria, Liberia, Albania, Somalia, Nepal, Ghana, India, Syria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Gambia, Mali, Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Guinea and Ivory Coast.

They are being held at a detention centre until they are repatriated.