Insecurity: 70 Foreigners From Niger, Chad, Sudan Arrested – Abiodun

…Says, “Ogun To Document Foreign Workers, Monitor Scavengers”

IPERU-REMO, IKENNE LG, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Monday, November 24, 2025, announced that a more robust security framework would be established to safeguard the state, following a recent surge in banditry, terrorism, and other violent crimes across parts of the country.

As part of these measures, the governor revealed that the state government will commence the documentation of all undocumented foreign nationals employed by multinational companies operating within Ogun State.

He added that new non-indigenes arriving in the state for the first time would undergo thorough screening by their respective community leaders.

This process, he said, is necessary to prevent criminal infiltration and ensure the government is aware of their purpose and means of livelihood.

Speaking to journalists in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, after a security meeting, Governor Abiodun emphasized that the initiatives were proactive steps aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.

He further disclosed that about 70 foreigners – mainly from Niger Republic, Sudan, and Chad – had been arrested in recent days for failing to give satisfactory explanations regarding their presence in Ogun State.

“The law enforcement agencies have arrested, within the last three to four days, about 70 persons from Chad and Sudan who cannot even speak English and cannot explain what they are doing here.
We are going to process these individuals with the Nigeria Immigration Service.

“We will also be calling on our non-indigene communities to be more vigilant so that we know who is here and why they are here”, he said.

The governor also expressed concern over the activities of scavengers, noting that they now pose a greater security threat than before.

“We discussed the issue of scavengers who have become more of a threat. Law enforcement agencies will pay particular attention to them. We will engage them to ensure they are not being used to perpetrate crimes in the state”, he added.

Governor Abiodun said the meeting was convened in response to the country’s current security climate, noting that as Nigeria’s industrial capital, Ogun receives more than five million daily commuters, making it crucial for government to heighten vigilance.

He directed the police to immediately move into areas such as “Zanga” in Ijebu-Ode and similar enclaves across the state and clear them out, warning that properties used by criminals would henceforth be seized by the government.

Speaking on the recent incident at Ajebo in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, the governor noted that security officers had visited the settlement to verify that its occupants pose no threat.

He also assured that the state’s forest reserves would be thoroughly secured to prevent criminals from using them as hideouts.

Abiodun further disclosed that the meeting deliberated extensively on the activities of scrap dealers and scavengers who may now be aiding criminal networks, adding that they would be properly engaged and monitored.

On illegal mining, Governor Abiodun noted that government is aware that some miners operate as miscreants, and is working with security agencies to flush out criminals from mining sites and forest reserves.

The governor appealed to residents to actively support community policing efforts by providing credible information to security agencies.

“Security is not the responsibility of security agents alone. We must work with them. We must report anything suspicious so law enforcement can respond promptly. We must be observant and be our brother’s keeper,” he said.

Governor Abiodun assured that his administration would continue to provide the necessary logistics to security agencies and cautioned Obas and Baales against allocating government land to strangers, warning that any traditional ruler found culpable would be held accountable for undermining the state’s interest.

He commended security agencies for their cooperation and synergy, which he said has contributed significantly to the peace Ogun State currently enjoys.

The governor lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for stabilizing the economy and commended him and security agencies for the prompt rescuing of kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states.