Lagos: Police arrest 38 foreign nationals over suspected illegal entry 

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 38 foreign nationals in Epe following the discovery of a suspected illegal entry operation during an intelligence-led raid. The development comes as security agencies intensify efforts to curb transborder crimes and other related security threats across the state. The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, disclosed that operatives raided […]

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 38 foreign nationals in Epe following the discovery of a suspected illegal entry operation during an intelligence-led raid.

The development comes as security agencies intensify efforts to curb transborder crimes and other related security threats across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, disclosed that operatives raided a residential building after receiving intelligence reports about suspicious gatherings involving a large number of foreign nationals.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that 18 of the suspects possessed valid ECOWAS travel documents, while 20 others were unable to provide evidence of lawful entry into Nigeria.

“The group comprises nationals of Chad, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Mali, Togo, Cameroon and Ghana,” the police commissioner said.

He explained that the suspects were rescued from possible mob action before being taken into custody for profiling and further investigation.

The commissioner added that some of the individuals claimed to be involved in “networking” activities but failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding their presence in the country.

He said the suspects would be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the relevant embassies for further investigation and immigration processing.

Fatai reiterated the command’s commitment to monitoring suspicious movements involving foreign nationals and strengthening security measures aimed at preventing criminal activities within the state.