Insecurity: Ogun To Begin Documentation of Foreign Workers
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Monday announced a series of strengthened security measures aimed at safeguarding the state amid rising cases of banditry, terrorism, and other violent crimes across Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists in Iperu after a high-level security meeting, the governor said the state will immediately begin documenting all undocumented foreign nationals working with multinational companies operating within Ogun. He added that first-time non-indigene visitors to communities in the state will undergo mandatory screening by local leaders to verify their purpose and means of livelihood.
Abiodun disclosed that security agencies had arrested about 70 foreign nationals mostly from Niger Republic, Sudan, and Chad within the last few days. He said they were unable to communicate in English or provide reasonable explanations for their presence in the state.
The governor expressed growing concern over the activities of scavengers, noting that their operations now pose increased security risks. According to him, law enforcement agencies have been directed to monitor them closely and ensure they are not being used to perpetrate crime.
Abiodun explained that the meeting became necessary in light of the country’s current security realities. As Nigeria’s industrial hub, Ogun State receives more than five million commuters daily, making heightened vigilance imperative.
He directed the police to immediately move into areas such as “Zanga” in Ijebu-Ode and other identified enclaves across the state to flush out criminal elements, warning that properties used to aid criminal activities would henceforth be confiscated by the government.
Commenting on the recent incident at Ajebo in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, the governor said security operatives had visited the settlement and confirmed that its inhabitants do not pose any threat. He assured that all forest reserves across the state would also be thoroughly secured to prevent them from becoming criminal hideouts.
Abiodun added that the meeting also reviewed the activities of scrap dealers and scavengers, who he said may now be aiding criminal networks. He assured that they will be properly engaged, documented, and monitored.
On illegal mining, the governor said the state is aware that some miners operate as miscreants. He noted that the government is working with security agencies to clear criminals from mining sites and forest reserves.
He appealed to residents to support community policing efforts through vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious activities.
“Security is not the responsibility of security agents alone. We must work with them. We must report anything suspicious so law enforcement can respond promptly. We must be observant and be our brother’s keeper,” he said.
Governor Abiodun also cautioned traditional rulers, including Obas and Baales, against allocating government land to strangers without proper vetting, warning that anyone found culpable would be held accountable.
He commended security agencies for their cooperation, which he said has contributed significantly to the relative peace enjoyed in Ogun State. He further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for stabilising the economy and lauded federal security agencies for the swift rescue of kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states.
