The Lagos State police command has rescued 38 foreign nationals from a possible mob attack in the Epe area and launched an investigation into alleged illegal immigration activities.
Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja.
The rescue operation was carried out on June 17 after officers intervened 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 allegedly entered Nigeria illegally, while 18 were found in possession of valid ECOWAS travel documents.
Mr Tijani said the intervention was necessary to prevent mob action and ensure the safety of all persons involved.
He said the matter had been escalated to the 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 stated that due process would be followed in handling cases involving foreign nationals, and that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
(NAN)
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