The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested 378 illegal immigrants from four African nations, including Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, and Togo, in a crackdown on fraudulent activities in Ogun State. The operation, carried out by officers from the Ogun State Command and Zone A headquarters, targeted illegal immigrants involved in various fraudulent activities across the state.

According to the Comptroller of the Ogun State Command, Muhammed Akadri, the operation was initiated following credible intelligence reports on the activities of the suspects. A detailed profiling of the suspects revealed that 334 were Cameroonians, 27 were Ghanaians, 26 were Beninese, and one was Togolese. The suspects, comprising 251 males and 125 females, were all between the ages of 25 and 30.

Notably, none of the suspects possessed valid travel documents or residence permits, and they all gained access to Nigeria through unauthorized border routes. During interrogation, they could not present any form of identification, further highlighting the illegal nature of their presence in the country.

The Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, has ordered that all necessary legal procedures be followed to facilitate the deportation of the illegal immigrants to their respective countries. This move is part of broader efforts to tighten border security and regulate migration in line with national security objectives.

The recent arrests in Ogun State form part of heightened efforts by Nigerian security agencies to combat illegal immigration. Just last week, the NIS apprehended 40 illegal immigrants in Oyo State. In a related development, the Minister of Interior, Tunji Olubunmi-Ojo, recently confirmed that a total of 828 illegal immigrants had been deported from Nigeria in an ongoing nationwide exercise.

The Nigerian government's crackdown on illegal immigration is driven by growing concerns about national security and economic stability. The country is implementing strict measures to address illegal migration, which poses significant threats to its sovereignty and economic development.

The recent arrests and deportations demonstrate the government's commitment to strengthening border security and regulating migration. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of illegal immigration, the government's efforts to combat this menace are likely to have significant implications for national security, economic development, and regional stability.

In the broader context, the issue of illegal immigration is a pressing concern for many African countries, which are struggling to balance the need to promote economic development and regional integration with the need to protect their sovereignty and national security. As the Nigerian government continues to implement measures to combat illegal immigration, its efforts are likely to have significant implications for regional cooperation and economic development.