The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State Command, has arrested 12 suspected illegal immigrants from Mali in the Akerebiata area of Ilorin following a tip-off from residents.
The suspects were apprehended at about 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2025, according to the command.
They were identified as Umar Sangari (25), Bubu Bill (43), Modibo Keita (26), Mahmud Jaalo (22), Bakare Sumonu (20), Saiku Dubia (28), Panda Aboubacar (32), Malle Siaka (24), Seku Barry (34), Lamine Bakou (27), Baye Bolly (24) and Zuman Traore (26).
The corps said the suspects were occupying a two-bedroom apartment rented through a local agent under suspicious circumstances.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 25, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC 1 Ayoola Michael Shola, the NSCDC disclosed that items recovered during the operation included nine mobile phones, two international passports, identification cards, a wristwatch, keys and cash.
The State Commandant, Bala Bodinga, said investigations had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ presence in the state and to ascertain whether they had any criminal links or unlawful intentions.
“Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspects will be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and necessary action in accordance with existing immigration laws,” he said.
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Bodinga noted that the arrests came amid growing security concerns, stressing that the command would not allow criminal elements to use the state as a safe haven.
“We remain fully committed to safeguarding lives, protecting property and curbing all forms of criminality across the state,” he added, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
In a related development, the Joint Border Patrol Team, Sector 2, South West Zone, Lagos, in 2024 arrested and handed over 156 illegal immigrants to the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The team also said it intercepted 2,633 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 4,019 jerrycans of petrol valued at N1.4bn within the period under review.