Immigration arrests 55 illegal migrants in Osun

The Osun State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has apprehended 55 irregular migrants, primarily from Cameroon and Congo, who entered the state without authorization. The migrants were paraded on Friday, with the Osun Comptroller of Immigration, Ibrahim Akinyemi, stating they entered through unauthorized routes and lacked necessary travel documents.

Akinyemi explained that the arrests were based on intelligence gathering, which led operatives to the migrants' residences. He noted that the individuals were engaged in illegal online businesses not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. The NIS is working to profile the migrants to determine if any can be regularized, but initial checks indicate a lack of proper documentation, including passports.

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These people are about 55. They are irregular migrants. They were arrested and brought here for repatriation. They came in through an unauthorised route. So, their stay here has become a serious nuisance.

Some of the apprehended migrants had reportedly taken up accommodation in the Owode-Ede community. The NIS command is continuing its search for others who may still be in hiding across the state. The migrants claimed to have entered Nigeria via Yola, Adamawa State, and stated they were in Osun for an online business known as QNET, though they provided limited details about the operation.

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They were apprehended through intelligence gathering. We have to go to their various locations to bring them here to the office. We have to profile, check their documents, to know which ones are eligible, or that are legal that can be regularised.

"They also claimed to have come through Yola (Adamawa State). By the grace of God, we are taking them back to where they came from," Akinyemi told reporters. The command intends to pursue those involved in facilitating the migrants' entry into Nigeria. The operation is part of a broader exercise directed by the Comptroller General of the NIS.

In a related incident, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Kwara State reported arresting 12 suspected illegal immigrants from Mali in Ilorin. These individuals were apprehended on February 22, 2025, following a tip-off from residents.

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They also claimed to have come through Yola (Adamawa State). By the grace of God, we are taking them back to where they came from.