NSCDC Arrests 12 Suspected Illegal Immigrants in Ilorin
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has arrested 12 suspected illegal immigrants from Mali in the Akerebiata area of Ilorin following a tip-off from residents.
The suspects were apprehended on Sunday, February 22, 2025, at about 10:00 p.m., according to the command.
Those arrested were identified as Umar Sangari (25), Bubu Bill (43), Modibo Keita (26), Mahmud Jaalo (22), Bakare Sumonu (20), Saiku Dubia (28), Panda Aboubacar (32), Malle Siaka (24), Seku Barry (34), Lamine Bakou (27), Baye Bolly (24), and Zuman Traore (26).
The command said the suspects were occupying a two-bedroom apartment rented through a local agent under suspicious circumstances.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC 1 Ayoola Michael Shola, the corps disclosed that items recovered during the operation included nine mobile phones, two international passports, identification cards, a wristwatch, keys and cash.
State Commandant Bala Bodinga said investigations had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ presence in the state and to ascertain whether they had any criminal links or unlawful intentions.
He added that upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects would be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action in line with existing immigration laws.
Bodinga stated that the arrests were made amid heightened security concerns in the state, stressing that the command would not allow criminal elements to use Kwara as a safe haven.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
In a related development, the Joint Border Patrol Team, Sector 2, South West Zone, Lagos, arrested and handed over 156 illegal immigrants to the Nigeria Immigration Service in 2024.
The team also intercepted 2,633 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 4,019 jerrycans of petrol valued at N1.4 billion within the period under review.
