- Army, DSS Arrest 46 Suspected Illegal Immigrants in Ogun
- The suspects were made up of 36 men and 10 women
- The suspects reportedly claimed to be merchants and workers linked to QNet, an online marketing platform
Security operatives comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Immigration Service have arrested 46 suspected illegal immigrants in Ogun State.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the suspects, made up of 36 men and 10 women, were apprehended during a coordinated operation carried out in Ijebu Imushin, Ijebu Ilese and neighbouring communities following credible intelligence reports.
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According to the Nigerian Army, those arrested include 18 nationals of Burkina Faso, 23 nationals of Côte d’Ivoire, four nationals of Togo and one national of Senegal.
Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Major Idereghi Akari, said the operation was conducted on Thursday.
Akari disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the foreign nationals had allegedly been living in the affected communities for about six months without valid immigration documents.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly claimed to be merchants and workers linked to QNet, an online marketing platform involved in the sale of various products and services.
The Army spokesperson stated that the suspects have been handed over to the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and necessary administrative action in line with existing immigration laws.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Friday Onu, commended the troops and other security agencies for their professionalism and vigilance.
He urged residents to remain alert and continue providing timely information on suspicious activities and individuals to security agencies.
According to him, the operation demonstrates the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to tackling illegal migration, strengthening internal security and protecting Nigeria’s national interests.
