Security operatives in Ogun State have detained 31 foreign nationals suspected of residing in Nigeria without valid immigration documents following a late-night operation in Atan Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
The foreigners, made up of 19 men and 12 women aged between 25 and 35, were rounded up during a police raid prompted by intelligence reports from residents who raised concerns about their presence in the Kajola Ilese community.
Sources disclosed that the operation was launched at about 11:30 p.m. on June 1 after the Divisional Police Officer received information regarding a large group of foreign nationals occupying an apartment in the area.
Acting swiftly, the DPO reportedly deployed a surveillance team led by the Incident Duty Officer, ASP Dosumu Akinlolu, to verify the report and assess any potential security concerns.
Upon arrival, the officers located the 31 individuals in a residential apartment and subsequently escorted them to the police station for screening and documentation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that none of the suspects was able to produce valid immigration papers during the verification process, raising suspicions about their legal status in the country.
The detainees reportedly identified themselves as nationals of Côte d’Ivoire, claiming they had travelled to Nigeria to engage in online business activities.
Police authorities said the group was placed in protective custody pending further verification and profiling by relevant agencies.
Sources within the command disclosed that the matter has now been referred to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), which is expected to take over the investigation and determine the immigration status of the individuals.
The suspects are expected to be transferred to the NIS office in Idiroko, near the Nigeria-Benin Republic border, for further screening and necessary administrative action.
Security analysts say the operation highlights increasing collaboration between local communities and law enforcement agencies in monitoring suspicious activities and enforcing immigration regulations.
Authorities have assured residents that investigations are ongoing and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in safeguarding communities.
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