Police rescue 38 foreign nationals, probe illegal immigration in Lagos

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CP Tijani Fatai

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The Police Command in Lagos has rescued 38 foreign nationals from a possible mob attack in Epe area and launched investigation into alleged illegal immigration activities.

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Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

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The rescue operation was carried out on June 17 after officers intervened to prevent a breakdown of law and order involving the foreign nationals.

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He said: “The foreign nationals comprise citizens of Chad, Burkina Faso, Benin, Mali, Togo, Cameroon, and Ghana.

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“The individuals were unable to provide satisfactory explanations regarding their presence or activities in Nigeria.

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“Suspects are currently being profiled at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and will be handed to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action.

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“We want to properly profile them and determine whether there is any criminal element to their activities before transferring them to immigration authorities for further processing.”

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Of those rescued, 20 allegedly entered Nigeria illegally, while 18 were found in possession of valid ECOWAS travel documents.

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Tijani said the intervention was necessary to prevent mob action and ensure the safety of all persons involved.

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He said matter had been escalated to relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service and embassies of affected countries, for proper profiling and action.

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According to him, investigations are ongoing to determine circumstances surrounding their presence in the area and whether any immigration-related offences have been committed.

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The police boss assured residents that the command remains committed to maintaining public order.

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He said due process would be followed in handling cases involving foreign nationals and further updates will be provided as investigations progress. (NAN)

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