Joint taskforce arrest 46 foreign nationals in Ogun border crackdown

Security operatives have intercepted 46 foreign nationals during a joint border enforcement operation in Ogun State, authorities have confirmed.

The operation, carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies, targeted illegal migration routes along border communities in the state.

According to security officials, the suspects were apprehended while travelling in a commercial Mercedes-Benz truck along a major transit corridor frequently used for cross-border movements. Preliminary investigations revealed that none of the occupants could provide valid travel documents or permits authorising their entry into Nigeria.

The arrested individuals, all males, are believed to be nationals of neighbouring West African countries, with initial profiling indicating that most of them are from Mali and Burkina Faso.

A security source said the operation followed intelligence reports on suspicious movements along the border, leading operatives to intercept the vehicle and conduct a thorough search.

Authorities have impounded the truck used to transport the migrants as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding their movement and possible links to human smuggling networks operating across the region.

The suspects have since been handed over to the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for further screening, biometric registration, and necessary administrative procedures.

Officials said the Immigration Service is also investigating the driver of the vehicle and other individuals who may have facilitated the migrants’ movement into the country through unauthorised routes.

Security agencies reiterated their commitment to strengthening border security and curbing irregular migration, stressing the need for residents of border communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.

The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to monitor Nigeria’s borders and dismantle networks involved in illegal cross-border movements.