Insecurity: Ogun moves to document foreign workers, tighten security as 70 nationals arrested

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced a new set of security measures aimed at safeguarding the state amid rising cases of banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes across the country.

Speaking with journalists in Iperu on Monday after a high-level security meeting, the governor said the state will begin documenting all foreign nationals working with multinational companies, noting that government must have clear records of those entering and residing in the state.

He added that first-time non-indigene visitors would henceforth undergo thorough screening by their community leaders to establish their identity, purpose of stay and source of livelihood.

Abiodun revealed that security agencies recently arrested about 70 foreigners from Niger Republic, Sudan and Chad who allegedly failed to explain their mission in the state.

“In the last three to four days, law enforcement agencies have picked up about 70 persons from Chad and Sudan who cannot speak English and cannot explain what they are doing here. We are processing them with the Nigeria Immigration Service,” he said.

The governor further expressed concern over the increasing security threat posed by scavengers, directing law enforcement agents to intensify surveillance and engage them to prevent criminal infiltration.

As Nigeria’s industrial hub, Ogun receives over five million daily commuters, a factor the governor said necessitates tighter security monitoring.

He ordered an immediate police raid on criminal hideouts such as the “Zanga” area in Ijebu-Ode and warned that any property used for crime will be confiscated by the government.

Addressing the recent incident in Ajebo, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, Abiodun confirmed that security personnel had visited the settlement and ensured its occupants pose no threat.

He also disclosed plans to secure all forest reserves to stop criminals from using them as hideouts.

The meeting also deliberated on the operations of scrap dealers, scavengers and illegal miners—groups the governor said may now be aiding criminal activities.

He assured that such activities would be closely monitored and sanitized in collaboration with security agencies.

Abiodun urged residents to support community policing by reporting suspicious activities, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility.

He warned traditional rulers against allocating government land to unknown persons, saying any Oba or Baale found guilty would face sanctions.

The governor commended security agencies for their collaboration in maintaining peace across the state and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for stabilizing the economy and ensuring the swift rescue of kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states.