The Ogun State Police Command has clarified that 38 foreign nationals recently arrested in parts of the state were apprehended for alleged immigration-related offences and not for terrorism, banditry, or kidnapping as widely circulated on social media.
According to the police, the suspects, all nationals of Côte d’Ivoire, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation carried out in Kajola-Ilese and Atan-Ota areas of Ogun State.
The group comprises 19 males and 19 females aged between 25 and 35 years. Security operatives reportedly discovered them in a residential apartment following credible intelligence reports.
Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals had entered Nigeria for online business activities.
Inside Ogun State:
Ogun Police Dismiss Bandit Attack Rumours in Ifo, Ota, Say State Is Safe
Ogun Polytechnic Expels 365 Students Over Fake Admission Documents
Police Rescue Officers Mistaken for Kidnappers in Ogun Community
Security Guard Arrested for Stealing Motor Spare Parts in Ogun
However, they were unable to present valid immigration and travel documents when screened by authorities.
Babaseyi dismissed reports linking the suspects to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, or any other violent criminal activity, describing such claims as false and misleading.
“At no time during the operation were bandits, kidnappers, or terrorists arrested, nor was any security-related incident recorded in connection with the apprehension,” he said.
The police spokesman warned against spreading unverified information capable of creating panic among residents and disrupting public peace.
Following preliminary investigations, the 38 suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further inquiries and necessary administrative action in accordance with Nigeria’s immigration laws.
The Ogun State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security across the state and urged members of the public to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing it.
About the Author
