By Opeyemi Adelakun
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 in Ogun State.
The suspects comprise 18 nationals of Burkina Faso, 23 citizens of Côte d’Ivoire, four Togolese nationals and one Senegalese. They include 36 males and 10 females.
The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to Akari, the arrests followed a targeted security operation launched on June 11, 2026, based on actionable intelligence.
He said the suspects were apprehended at various locations within Ijebu Imushin, Ijebu Ilese and neighbouring communities in Ogun State.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals had allegedly been residing in the state for approximately six months without valid immigration documentation,” Akari stated.
He added that during interrogation, the suspects claimed to be merchants and workers affiliated with QNet, an online marketing platform involved in the sale of various commodities.
The Army spokesperson said the suspects had been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Ogun State Command, for further investigation and appropriate action in line with existing immigration laws.
Reacting to 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.
He also urged residents to remain security-conscious and report suspicious movements or activities to relevant authorities.
The military said the operation reflects the commitment of security agencies to combating illegal migration, strengthening internal security and protecting Nigeria’s national interests.
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