Police have arrested 25 foreign nationals in Lagos over alleged illegal entry into Nigeria following a reported kidnapping case in the Ikorodu area of the state.
The suspects include 19 Chadian nationals and six Cameroonians. Operatives of the Tactical Creek Sweeper Squad based in Ijede, Ikorodu, arrested them on Tuesday, June 16.
Arrest Linked to Kidnapping Report
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication covering the Lake Chad region, the arrest followed a complaint filed by a Cameroonian national, Konga Delphine, who reported a kidnapping incident.
However, preliminary investigations uncovered concerns about the immigration status of the suspects.
According to a source quoted by the publication, the Chadian nationals allegedly entered Nigeria illegally under the guise of attending an evangelical crusade reportedly organised under the aegis of Deeper Life Bible Church.
Meanwhile, the six Cameroonian nationals reportedly told investigators that they came into Nigeria for network marketing activities.
Police Probe Entry Into Nigeria
Furthermore, police profiling and screening reportedly showed that the suspects could not provide valid travel or residency documents.
Consequently, security operatives took all 25 suspects into custody as investigations continue.
In response, investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding their entry into Nigeria and the nature of their activities in the country.
Furthermore, authorities have yet to determine whether the suspects have any connection to the reported kidnapping case that triggered the operation.
Investigation Ongoing
Meanwhile, the suspects remain in police custody pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
Consequently, police authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
