Troops of the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, 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, comprising 36 men and 10 women, were arrested during a coordinated raid in Ijebu Imushin, Ijebu Ilese and surrounding communities based on credible intelligence. Among them are 18 Burkina Faso nationals, 23 from Côte d’Ivoire, four from Togo, and a Senegalese.

In a statement, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Major Idereghi Akari, said the operation was carried out last Thursday. According to him, preliminary investigations revealed the suspects to have resided in the state for about six months without valid immigration documents.

He added that during interrogation, the suspects claimed to be traders and workers affiliated with QNet, an online marketing platform involved in the sale of various products.

“The suspects have since been handed over to NIS, Ogun State Command, for further investigation and appropriate administrative action, in accordance with extant laws,” the statement read.

Commenting on the operation, the Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Friday Onu, commended the troops and other security agencies for their professionalism and vigilance. He urged residents to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious activities and individuals to the relevant authorities.

Onu noted that the successful operation underscored the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to combating illegal migration, strengthening internal security and safeguarding national interests.