A coordinated security operation in Ogun State has led to the arrest of 46 foreign nationals by troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The operation is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal security and enforce immigration laws.
The arrest was carried out during an intelligence-driven operation conducted across parts of Ijebu Imushin, Ijebu Ilese and surrounding communities. According to the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, the operation began on June 11, 2026 following credible intelligence on the presence of undocumented foreign nationals in the area.
The 46 suspects include: 18 citizens of Burkina Faso, 23 citizens of Côte d’Ivoire, 4 citizens of Togo, 1 citizen of Senegal.
Among them are 36 males and 10 females, all arrested at different locations within the operational area. Security officials stated that preliminary findings suggest the individuals had been residing in the affected communities for about six months while their immigration status remains under review.
During preliminary questioning, the suspects reportedly told investigators they were merchants and workers linked to QNet, an online marketing platform involved in product and service sales.
Authorities said these claims are currently being verified as part of ongoing investigations by relevant agencies.
Major Akari confirmed that the suspects have been transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Ogun State Command, for further investigation and administrative processing in line with immigration laws. He added that the joint task force will continue to support the Immigration Service in determining the legality of their stay and any necessary legal actions.
The Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Friday Oguche Onu, praised the professionalism of troops and collaborating security agencies involved in the operation. He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security authorities.
The military said the operation reflects ongoing efforts by security agencies to tighten border control, improve immigration enforcement, and strengthen internal security across Ogun State and beyond.
