Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State has detained 12 suspected illegal immigrants from Mali in a late-night operation in the Akerebiata area of Ilorin, following a tip-off from vigilant residents concerned about unusual activity in their neighbourhood. The arrests, carried out on Sunday, February 22, formed part of intensified enforcement efforts targeting unlawful migration and unexplained presence of foreign nationals in the state.
According to the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC1 Ayoola Michael Shola, the 12 individuals were located at approximately 10:00 p.m. inside a two-bedroom apartment they had rented under circumstances considered suspicious by community members and local agents. The suspects, all adult males ranging in age from their early 20s to early 40s, were named by authorities as Umar Sangari (25), Bubu Bill (43), Modibo Keita (26), Mahmud Jaalo (22), Bakare Sumonu (20), Saiku Dubia (28), Panda Aboubacar (32), Malle Siaka (24), Seku Barry (34), Lamine Bakou (27), Baye Bolly (24) and Zuman Traore (26).
Items recovered during the operation included nine mobile phones, two international passports, various identification cards, a wristwatch, keys and cash, suggesting active movement and communication among the group. Command officials emphasised that while possession of identity documents does not guarantee legal status, irregularity in documentation and lack of lawful residence permits raised red flags for security personnel.
The NSCDC State Commandant, Bala Bodinga, told journalists that a comprehensive investigation has begun to determine how the individuals entered Nigeria, how long they had been in Kwara, and whether they have any links to criminal enterprises or intent to commit unlawful acts. He stressed that such probes are critical to preventing exploitation of the state by criminal networks and to safeguarding local communities.
While details on the individuals’ circumstances remain under review, authorities plan to hand over the suspects to the Nigeria Immigration Service upon conclusion of the NSCDC probe. The Immigration Service is expected to verify their identities, review travel and entry documentation, and take appropriate actions according to immigration laws, which may include prosecution or deportation.
The arrests occurred amid broader national security concerns regarding irregular migration in West Africa. Nigeria has seen continued movement of foreign nationals through its borders, often facilitated by porous frontier points and illicit networks. In 2024, federal immigration authorities reported deporting hundreds of illegal immigrants, including dozens from neighbouring countries such as Mali, amid efforts to strengthen border enforcement and internal security.
NSCDC and immigration enforcement are increasingly collaborating to address these challenges. Military and joint border patrol teams have previously intercepted large numbers of undocumented migrants and contraband in other states, reinforcing the need for coordinated operations across security agencies.
Residents in Akerebiata and surrounding communities were thanked by the NSCDC for reporting suspicious behaviour — a measure authorities say is vital for early detection of security risks. The command urged continued cooperation from the public to ensure that irregular migrants or potential criminal actors are identified and vetted, and to help maintain peace and order.
Commandant Bodinga noted that the state remains committed to “safeguarding lives, protecting property, and curbing all forms of criminality,” indicating that similar operations may continue as part of sustained surveillance and intelligence-led enforcement in Kwara.
As the case progresses, authorities have not yet indicated whether any further charges beyond immigration violations will be pursued, but the suspects’ cooperation with investigative agencies and the results of document verification will inform next steps. Families, community leaders, and civil society stakeholders continue to monitor developments as enforcement agencies work to balance humanitarian protections with national security imperatives in the face of regional migration pressures.
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