Following the arrest of ISWAP suspects during bomb-making training in Ilesa, over 100 foreigners who invaded Osun state in groups have been arrested.
The Nation learnt that the foreigners were arrested while entering the state by operatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service.
It was gathered that the foreigners did not have any valid travelling documents and lacked an explanation of their mission in the state.
A top security source disclosed: “I will not disclose the location of arrest for security reasons and not to raise apprehension in the community. They were arrested and the Osun State Government was informed.
“The state government was involved as they provided Immigration buses to convey them.”
When reached by phone, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Immigration Service, Osun State Command, Olu Moyosad, did not answer calls or respond to text messages.
Meanwhile, in an exclusive phone interview with The Nation, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi confirmed arrest of 100 foreigners in the state.
He said: “100 foreigners were arrested weeks ago before the arrest of suspected members ISWAP in Ilesa.
“We are on top of security situation, our residents should not panic.”
According to him, the issue of security is not something that we can disclose fully. In Osun, we have always been proactive which led to the arrest of suspected terrorists in Ilesa.
“The governor including our Service Chiefs they are on top of security situations in the state. We are equally rejigging the Amotekun Security outfit to be more effective.”
He commended Oyo State Governor for raising the alarm of bandit invasion in Southwest,’noting that his Osun counterpart will always ensure that residents do not suffer any crisis.
“Following the alarm, we are leaving no stone unturned on security matters.
Osun State remains the safest state in Nigeria because of the efforts of Mr Governor.”
(The Nation)
