Police rescue 38 foreign nationals and investigate illegal immigration in Lagos

The Lagos Police Command rescued 38 foreign nationals from a potential mob attack in the Epe area and has opened an investigation into alleged illegal immigration activities.

Commissioner of Police Mr Fatai Tijani announced the operation on Tuesday during a briefing for journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

The rescue took place on June 17 after officers stepped in to prevent a breakdown of law and order involving the foreign nationals.

He said: “The foreign nationals comprise citizens of Chad, Burkina Faso, Benin, Mali, Togo, Cameroon, and Ghana.”

“The individuals were unable to provide satisfactory explanations regarding their presence or activities in Nigeria.”

“Suspects are currently being profiled at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and will be handed to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action.”

“We want to properly profile them and determine whether there is any criminal element to their activities before transferring them to immigration authorities for further processing.”

Of those rescued, 20 were alleged to have entered Nigeria illegally, while 18 possessed valid ECOWAS travel documents.

Tijani said the intervention was necessary to prevent mob action and to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

He added that the matter has been escalated to relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service and the embassies of the affected countries, for proper profiling and action.

According to him, investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding their presence in the area and whether any immigration‑related offences have been committed.

The police boss assured residents that the command remains committed to maintaining public order.

He said due process would be followed in handling cases involving foreign nationals and that further updates will be provided as investigations progress. (NAN)