IPERU – In a move to curb rising security threats, the Ogun State Government has announced plans to document all undocumented foreign workers in multinational companies and closely monitor the activities of scavengers across the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this on Monday after an emergency security meeting, revealing that about 70 foreigners from neighbouring countries have been arrested in recent days for being unable to account for their presence in the state.
The governor stated that the new measures are proactive steps to safeguard lives and property in light of the recent spike in banditry and terrorism in parts of the country.
“The law enforcement agencies have arrested, within the last three to four days, about 70 persons from Chad and Sudan who cannot even speak English and cannot explain what they are doing here,” Governor Abiodun said. “We are going to process these individuals with the Nigeria Immigration Service.”
He outlined a dual approach focusing on both foreign and local non-indigenes. The government will mandate community leaders to properly screen and be accountable for new non-indigenes entering their communities to ensure they are not used to orchestrate violence.
Expressing particular concern, the governor highlighted that scavengers, also known as scrap dealers, now pose a significant security threat.
“We discussed the issue of scavengers who have become more of a threat. Law enforcement agencies will pay particular attention to them. We will engage them to ensure they are not being used to perpetrate crimes in the state,” Abiodun added.
The governor issued a direct order to security agencies to clear out identified criminal enclaves, such as the “Zanga” area in Ijebu-Ode, warning that properties used by criminals would be seized by the government.
He further disclosed that the state’s forest reserves and mining sites would be thoroughly secured to prevent them from being used as hideouts by criminals.
Governor Abiodun also cautioned traditional rulers (Obas and Baales) against allocating government land to strangers, stating that any found culpable would be held accountable.
While commending the cooperation among security agencies for the relative peace in the state, the governor appealed to residents to be vigilant and support community policing efforts by reporting suspicious activities.
