Ogun Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 38 foreign nationals from Cote d’Ivoire during an operation conducted in Kajola-Ilese, Atan-Ota, area of the State.

A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Oluseyi Babaseyi, on Tuesday, had it that the foreign nationals comprised 19 males and 19 females, aged between 25 and 35 years.

Babaseyi said their arrest followed credible intelligence, as they were found in an apartment in the location.

He informed that the individuals could not produce valid immigration or travel documents during preliminary screening.

According to the Police image maker, the individuals were said to have claimed to have gained entry into Nigeria for online business activities, and that they had since been handed over to the authorities of the Nigeria Immigration Service, upon the conclusion of preliminary police procedures.

He, however, clarified that the foreign nationals are not bandits, terrorists, or kidnappers, regarding any piece of information linking any security-related incidents to them as outright falsehood.

Babaseyi said the NIS would look into appropriate administrative action in line with extant immigration laws and protocols for further investigation.

He said, “At no time during the operation were bandits, kidnappers, or terrorists arrested, nor was any security-related incident recorded in connection with the apprehension. Any attempt to link the arrested foreign nationals to banditry or any violent criminal activity is entirely false, misleading, and capable of creating unnecessary panic and disturbing public peace.”

Similarly, the Command debunked a series of false and misleading reports being circulated on social media over alleged bandit attacks on schools and communities within Ota and Ifo axis of the State.

“The Command states unequivocally that there has been no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity, or any form of security breach anywhere in Ogun State, including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School (Ijoko axis), Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan-Ota, Sango-Ota, Agbado, Ifo, and other adjoining communities.

“Following the circulation of the false reports, police operatives from the respective divisions were immediately mobilized to all affected locations for on-the-spot assessment, verification, and sustained confidence-building patrols aimed at preventing panic and ensuring continued public reassurance.

“In addition, the Command’s School Protection Squad, in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of the affected areas, conducted immediate security assessments of all referenced schools, including Oluke Community High School and Sango Ota High School (Ijoko axis). The exercise confirmed that all schools were safe, secure, and fully operational. School activities continued peacefully and without interruption throughout the day, with students and staff completing a successful academic day before normal closure,” the PPRO added.

The Command therefore warned against needless tension and anxiety caused among residents by the circulation of unverified security information.

It assured that officers and men remain fully deployed across the state, with sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations, and proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

Residents across Ogun State, including Ota, Ifo, Atan-Ota, Ijoko, Sango-Ota, Agbado, and adjoining communities, are strongly advised to remain calm, continue their lawful activities without fear, and take note that the entire state remains safe and secure.

(Nigerian Tribune)