By Ado Oyeyemi
Troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside other security agencies, have arrested 46 suspected irregular immigrants during a coordinated security operation in Ogun State.
The suspects were apprehended in raids carried out across Ijebu Imushin, Ijebu Ilese and neighbouring communities as part of efforts to strengthen security and identify undocumented foreign nationals residing in the state.
The spokesman for the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the operation commenced on June 11 and targeted locations believed to be harbouring illegal immigrants.
According to him, preliminary investigations indicated that the individuals had allegedly lived in the affected communities for about six months without possessing valid immigration documents.
Akari said the suspects told investigators that they were traders and workers associated with QNet, an online marketing company engaged in the distribution and sale of various products.
A breakdown of those arrested showed that 18 were citizens of Burkina Faso, 23 were from Côte d’Ivoire, four were Togolese nationals, while one suspect hailed from Senegal.
The group comprised 36 men and 10 women, all of whom are currently undergoing further scrutiny by relevant authorities.
The Army spokesman noted that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb illegal migration and address potential security concerns linked to undocumented foreign residents.
He added that the suspects had been handed over to the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and necessary administrative procedures.
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Security authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining joint operations aimed at safeguarding communities and ensuring compliance with the nation’s immigration laws.
