Police Arrest 165 Illegal Immigrants in Kebbi Over Alleged Fraud, Security Concerns

 Police Arrest 165 Illegal Immigrants in Kebbi Over Alleged Fraud, Security Concerns

In a decisive operation against illegal immigration and suspected financial crimes, the Kebbi State Police Command has arrested 165 foreign nationals residing unlawfully in Nigeria. The suspects, originating from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, Benin Republic, and Ivory Coast, were apprehended during a security raid in the Kuwait area of Birnin Kebbi.

Mass Arrest Following Intelligence Reports

Acting on credible intelligence, a team from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) raided a three-bedroom apartment on January 31, 2025, at around 5:00 PM. Law enforcement officers discovered over 200 individuals crammed into the small residence, with 165 of them failing to produce valid immigration documents.

Further investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in the Qnet Ponzi scheme, a fraudulent investment network accused of scamming unsuspecting victims across West Africa.

Breakdown of Arrested Suspects

According to police records, the suspects were nationals of:

• Ivory Coast – 110 individuals
• Burkina Faso – 35 individuals
• Benin Republic – 11 individuals
• Niger Republic – 5 individuals
• Mali – 4 individuals

Following their arrest, the illegal immigrants have been transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further interrogation and possible deportation.

Community Outcry Over Foreign Settlers

Residents of the Kuwait area in Birnin Kebbi had raised concerns over the increasing presence of unidentified foreigners in the neighborhood. Some community members suspected that the occupants of the overcrowded apartment were engaged in unlawful activities, though their exact operations remained unclear.

A local resident, Adamu Augie, described the situation as suspicious, stating:
"We noticed an unusual influx of foreigners in our community, but we had no idea what they were doing. They moved discreetly, and we feared they might be involved in criminal activities."

Another resident, Abdullahi Umar, praised the swift action of law enforcement, saying:
"The presence of these unidentified foreigners was alarming. We are grateful that the police acted quickly because their gathering posed a significant security risk."

Police Assure Citizens of Continued Vigilance

The Kebbi State Police Command reassured the public of its commitment to upholding law and order, particularly in curbing illegal immigration and fraudulent activities. The authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.

"We remain dedicated to ensuring the safety of our citizens. We encourage the public to cooperate with law enforcement by providing timely information on any illegal gatherings or suspicious activities in their communities," a police spokesperson stated.

This large-scale arrest underscores the growing challenges of border security and illegal migration in Nigeria. Authorities are now working closely with immigration officials to determine the next course of action regarding the detained individuals.

The Nigerian government has intensified efforts to address cross-border crimes and illegal financial operations, with security agencies ramping up surveillance to prevent future occurrences.

As investigations continue, the incident has sparked discussions on the need for stricter border controls, improved community-police collaboration, and heightened security measures to protect local residents from potential threats posed by undocumented immigrants and fraudulent schemes.