Security Forces Detain 46 Suspected Illegal Immigrants in Ogun

Forty-six people suspected of being illegal immigrants have been detained in Ogun State.

They were caught in a joint security operation by the Nigerian Army, the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

Military officials said the arrests followed intelligence reports that led to a focused operation across communities in Ijebu-Imushin, Ijebu-Ilese, and nearby areas of the state.

The Assistant Director Army Public Relations of 35 Artillery Brigade, Idereghi Samuel, said the operation started on 11 June and led to the arrest of 46 foreign nationals believed to be living in the country without the right immigration documents.

Mr Samuel said initial investigations showed that the suspects had been in Ogun State for about six months before they were caught.

"During questioning, the suspects said they were merchants and workers with QNet, an online marketing company that sells different goods," he said.

The group includes 36 men and 10 women. Among them are 18 people from Burkina Faso, 23 from Côte d’Ivoire, four from Togo, and one from Senegal.

The Army said this operation is part of a broader effort by security agencies to improve internal security and monitor activities that could threaten public safety.

Authorities have not said if the suspects are connected to any crimes. They said investigations will focus on finding out their identities, activities, and immigration status.

The Army stated that all the suspects have been sent to the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service for more investigation and possible administrative action under Nigeria’s immigration laws.

This situation shows the increasing teamwork among security agencies in addressing issues related to illegal migration, border crossings, and undocumented foreign residents.

Brigadier General Friday Onu, the Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, praised the troops and other security agencies for what he called a professional and intelligence-led operation.

Mr Onu also urged the public to stay alert and help security efforts by reporting any suspicious activities and unfamiliar movements in their neighborhoods.

While the authorities have not linked the suspects to any crimes, this operation comes during a time of heightened security concerns in the South-west. There are calls for more surveillance and intelligence work to deal with ongoing issues of kidnapping and violent attacks.