Troops nab 46 foreign nationals in Ogun over illegal stay

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), have arrested 46 foreign nationals suspected of illegal residence in Ogun state.

The suspects, comprising 18 citizens of Burkina Faso, 23 from Côte d’Ivoire, four from Togo, and one from Senegal, were picked up during a coordinated security operation across parts of the state.

Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, the assistant director, army public relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, the operation was carried out between June 11 and 13, 2026, following credible intelligence that led security operatives to several locations in Ijebu Imushin, Ijebu Ilese and adjoining communities.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the individuals had been residing in the area for about six months without valid immigration documents.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly claimed they were traders and workers connected to QNet, an online marketing platform involved in the sale of various goods and services.

Major Akari stated that the suspects have since been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Ogun State Command, for further investigation and appropriate administrative action in line with existing laws.

He added that the operation reflects the continued commitment of the military and sister security agencies to strengthening internal security and curbing illegal migration.

Brigadier General Friday Oguche Onu, the Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade commended the operatives for their professionalism and urged residents to provide timely information to security agencies on suspicious movements within their communities.