The Ogun State Police Command says it arrested 38 foreign nationals from Côte d’Ivoire during a recent operation conducted in Kajola-Ilese, Atan-Ota, and not bandits.
The arrested suspects, comprising 19 males and 19 females aged between 25 and 35 years, were found in an apartment following credible intelligence.
DAILY POST learnt that they were said to have entered Nigeria for online business activities.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, contrary to reports circulating on social media, insisted that no bandit, kidnapper, or terrorist was arrested during the operation.
Babaseyi stated that the suspects were unable to produce valid immigration or travel documents during preliminary screening.
His words: “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.”
The image maker disclosed that upon the conclusion of preliminary police procedures, all 38 suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and appropriate administrative action in line with extant immigration laws and protocols.
The PPRO asserted that security management depends on accurate reporting, responsible communication, and timely verification of information, urging members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information and desist from actions capable of creating fear or tension in the state.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property and advised the public to verify all security-related information through official channels before sharing it.
