The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has apprehended 12 suspected illegal immigrants from Mali in the Akerebiata area of Ilorin following a tip-off from residents.

The suspects were arrested on Sunday, February 22, 2025, at about 10:00 p.m., according to the command.

They were identified 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).

The corps said the suspects were occupying a two-bedroom apartment rented through a local agent under suspicious circumstances.

In a statement issued by the Command's Public Relations Officer, ASC 1 Ayoola Michael Shola, items recovered during the operation included nine mobile phones, two international passports, identification cards, a wristwatch, keys and cash.

The State Commandant, Bala Bodinga, disclosed that investigations had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding their presence in the state and to ascertain whether they had any criminal links or unlawful intentions.

"Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspects will be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and necessary action in accordance with existing immigration laws," he said.

Bodinga noted that the arrests came amid heightened security concerns, stressing that the command would not allow criminal elements to use Kwara as a safe haven.

"We remain fully committed to safeguarding lives, protecting property and curbing all forms of criminality across the state," he added, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

In a related development, the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, South West Zone, Lagos, in 2024 arrested and handed over 156 illegal immigrants to officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service. It also intercepted 2,633 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 4,019 jerrycans of petrol valued at N1.4 billion within the period under review.