Forty-six suspected illegal immigrants have been apprehended in Ogun State following a coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Army, the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The operation was conducted based on intelligence reports that targeted communities in Ijebu-Imushin, Ijebu-Ilese, and neighboring areas.
Details of the Arrest
Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 35 Artillery Brigade, Idereghi Samuel, confirmed that the operation began on June 11 and led to the arrest of 46 foreign nationals who were allegedly residing in Nigeria without valid immigration documents. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had lived in Ogun State for approximately six months before their arrest.
During interrogation, the suspects claimed to be merchants and workers associated with QNet, an online marketing platform involved in the sale of various commodities. The group consists of 36 males and 10 females, including 18 nationals of Burkina Faso, 23 nationals of Côte d'Ivoire, four nationals of Togo, and one national of Senegal.
Security Collaboration
The Army stated that the operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to strengthen internal security and monitor activities that could threaten public safety. While authorities have not disclosed any links to criminal activities, investigations will focus on determining the identities, activities, and immigration status of the suspects.
All suspects have been transferred to the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and possible administrative action in accordance with Nigeria's immigration laws. This development highlights growing collaboration among security agencies in tackling illegal migration, trans-border movements, and undocumented foreign residents.
Commendation and Public Appeal
Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Friday Onu, commended the troops and participating security agencies for what he described as a professional and intelligence-driven operation. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities and unfamiliar movements within their communities.
The operation comes amid heightened security concerns across parts of the South-west, where there have been calls for intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering in response to recurring incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks.
