Security operatives nab 46 illegal immigrants in Ogun

By Abiodun Lawal

The Nigerian Army has listed 18 nationals of Burkina Faso, 23 from Côte d’Ivoire, four from Togo and one from Senegal among 46 suspected illegal immigrants recently arrested in Ijebu areas of Ogun State.

“During interrogation, the suspects claimed to be merchants and workers affiliated with QNet, an online marketing platform,” Maj. Idereghi Akari, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

According to Akari, the arrest of the illegal immigrants was carried out by troops in collaboration with personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) during a targeted security operation conducted on Thursday in Ijebu Imushin, Ijebu Ilese and neighbouring communities.

The army spokesperson noted that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had allegedly resided in the state for about six months without valid immigration documents.

“During interrogation, the suspects claimed to be merchants and workers affiliated with QNet, an online marketing platform.
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“They included 36 males and 10 females,” he said.

Akari stated that the suspects had been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Ogun State Command, for further investigation and necessary administrative action.

The Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Friday Onu, commended the troops and collaborating agencies for their professionalism.

Onu urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities and individuals to security agencies.

He said the operation reflected the commitment of security agencies to combating illegal migration and strengthening internal security.(NAN)