Nigerian Army troops, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Immigration authorities, have apprehended 46 suspected illegal immigrants in Ogun State. The operation, conducted on Thursday, targeted individuals found residing without valid immigration documents in Ijebu Imushin, Ijebu Ilese, and surrounding communities. The suspects, consisting of 36 men and 10 women, were arrested based on actionable intelligence gathered by security operatives. Authorities confirmed that the group included 18 nationals from Burkina Faso, 23 from Côte d’Ivoire, four from Togo, and one from Senegal.
The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 35 Artillery Brigade, Major Idereghi Akari, disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the suspects had been living in the state for approximately six months without proper documentation. On interrogation, they claimed to be merchants and workers associated with QNet, an online marketing platform known for selling various consumer goods. However, their claims are currently under review by immigration officials. The suspects have since been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Ogun State Command for further investigation and administrative action in line with Nigerian immigration laws.
Brigadier General Friday Onu, Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, praised the troops and partner agencies for their professionalism and vigilance during the operation. He emphasized the importance of public cooperation in maintaining national security, urging residents to remain alert and report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest security agency. General Onu also highlighted that the successful operation reflects the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal migration and strengthening internal security across the country.
The joint operation underscores the growing efforts by Nigerian security agencies to address the challenges posed by undocumented foreigners, especially in border and transit states like Ogun. With increasing concerns over national security, economic competition, and public safety, such coordinated actions are seen as critical in maintaining order and protecting citizens’ rights. Authorities continue to monitor migration patterns and strengthen surveillance in high-risk areas to prevent future infiltration.
This crackdown is part of a broader strategy by the Nigerian government to enforce immigration laws and ensure that only legally documented individuals remain within the country’s borders. As security agencies intensify their operations, residents are encouraged to support these efforts by staying informed and vigilant. The outcome of this operation is expected to send a strong message to would-be illegal immigrants and reinforce the nation’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and internal stability.
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