The Lagos State Police Command has rescued 38 foreign nationals from a suspected mob attack in the Epe area of Lagos State, following rising tensions linked to alleged irregular immigration activities.
The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the state police headquarters in Ikeja, noting that swift intervention by security operatives prevented a breakdown of law and order in the community.
According to him, the incident occurred on June 17 after police received intelligence that a group of foreign nationals had come under suspicion from residents, leading to a possible mob confrontation.
He said the rescued individuals were nationals of Chad, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Mali, Togo, Cameroon, and Ghana.
“The foreign nationals were unable to give satisfactory explanations regarding their presence and activities in Nigeria,” the commissioner stated.
Inside Lagos State:
Lagos mourns senior police officer’s death
Lagos Police Probe Ammunition Parcel Sent to FirstBank MD
Lagos Police Nab Three Armed Robbery Suspects in Idimu Patrol
Police Arrest 10 Cameroonians Over Visa Scam, Human Trafficking Ring in Lagos
Following their rescue, the individuals were taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for profiling, pending further transfer to the Nigeria Immigration Service for appropriate immigration procedures.
Preliminary investigations indicated that 20 of the foreign nationals may have entered Nigeria illegally, while 18 others were reportedly in possession of valid ECOWAS travel documents.
The police commissioner explained that the intervention was necessary to prevent mob action and ensure the safety of all persons involved in the situation.
He added that relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service and diplomatic missions of the affected countries, had been informed for further documentation and follow-up actions.
Tijani assured residents that investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the foreigners’ presence in the area and to determine whether any immigration-related offences were committed.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Police Command to maintaining peace and public order across the state, stressing that due process would be followed and the public would be updated as investigations continue.
About The Author
