Troops of the Nigerian Army manning a checkpoint at Karu in the Federal Capital Territory arrested 84 nationals of Niger Republic on Friday.

The Sakaruyi of Karu, Emmanuel Kyauta told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Nigeriens entered the town in a truck packed with rams and goats when they were stopped by the soldiers.

Kyauta, the head of the community,said the aliens were arrested close to the Karu abattoir.

“I am glad they were arrested before they disembarked from the lorry that brought them because of their number and because the manner in which they came into the FCT is suspicious.

“How can 84 men of between the ages of 20 and 35 years leave their country for another without following the appropriate channel. And how can they dress the lorry to deceive people and the security operatives that the lorry is carrying only goats and sheep when 84 men were hiding under the animals?” he queried.

The traditional ruler said he was grateful to God and the security operatives stationed close to the abattoir for being vigilant and swiftly arresting the aliens.

He called on residents of Karu and its environs to be security conscious and not to leave the security of lives and property to the Police, soldiers vigilance groups and others alone.

He said he had already handed over the aliens to the Immigration Headquarters in the FCT, with the assistance of some security operatives.

Meanwhile a military source confirmed the arrest and said that the suspects had been handed over to the Police.

The source, who did not want to be identified, said the immigration authorities too had been contacted for profiling of the suspects. (NAN)