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Osun Arrests Over 100 Foreigners as Security Tightens After ISWAP Suspects’ Capture

Published by Tope Fakinlede on January 13th, 2025.

Osun Arrests Over 100 Foreigners as Security Tightens After ISWAP Suspects’ Capture

Over 100 foreign nationals have been arrested in Osun State following a security crackdown after ISWAP suspects were apprehended during a bomb-making training in Ilesa.

Sources informed The Nation that these foreigners were detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) operatives while attempting to enter the state. Authorities found that many of the individuals lacked valid travel documents and were unable to explain their purpose for being in Osun.

A high-level security official, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, shared that the arrests took place in a location that was not disclosed to avoid causing public panic. He confirmed that the state government was informed, and immigration authorities were assisted by buses provided by the government to transport the detainees.

When contacted for comments, the Osun State NIS spokesperson, Olu Moyosad, did not respond to calls or text messages.

However, in an exclusive interview with The Nation, Osun’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the arrest of the 100 foreigners. He reassured residents, saying, “The arrests occurred weeks ago, prior to the capture of ISWAP suspects in Ilesa. We are closely monitoring the security situation, and the public has no reason to panic.”

Alimi emphasized that while full details of security operations cannot be disclosed, Osun State remains proactive in addressing potential threats, which was evident in the recent arrest of the terrorist suspects in Ilesa. He also added that the state’s Amotekun security outfit is being strengthened to be more effective.

He expressed appreciation for the proactive security efforts by Oyo State’s governor regarding bandit activity in the Southwest, and reiterated Osun’s commitment to maintaining safety. “Thanks to the efforts of our governor, Osun remains one of the safest states in Nigeria,”he concluded.