Troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), have arrested 46 suspected illegal immigrants during a coordinated security operation in Ogun State.
The operation, which began on June 11, was carried out following actionable intelligence and targeted several locations within Ijebu Imushin, Ijebu Ilese and neighbouring communities.
According to a statement by the Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Idereghi Samuel Akari, on Monday, the suspects were apprehended during raids conducted across the affected areas.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals had allegedly been living in Ogun State for about six months without valid immigration documents.
During questioning, the suspects reportedly identified themselves as merchants and workers associated with QNet, an online marketing platform involved in the sale of various products and services.
The arrested group comprises 18 nationals of Burkina Faso, 23 nationals of Côte d’Ivoire, four nationals of Togo and one national of Senegal.
Security officials disclosed that the suspects include 36 males and 10 females.
Following their arrest, all 46 individuals were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Ogun State Command, for further investigation and appropriate administrative action in line with Nigeria’s immigration laws.
Commenting on the operation, the Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Friday Oguche Onu, commended the troops and collaborating security agencies for their professionalism and vigilance.
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He said the successful operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation in addressing security concerns.
The brigade commander also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to security agencies for prompt action.
According to him, public cooperation remains critical to efforts aimed at safeguarding communities and protecting national interests.
The military described the operation as part of ongoing measures to curb illegal migration, strengthen border security and enhance internal security across the country.
They reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to maintaining law and order while ensuring that all persons residing in the country comply with relevant immigration regulations.