NASARAWA POLICE ARREST 40 SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM MALI AND IVORY COAST
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Nasarawa State Police have arrested 40 suspected illegal immigrants from Mali and Ivory Coast, following a tip-off about their movement in Mararaba, Karu LGA. The group, aged 19 to 35, was detained at the police headquarters for profiling and documentation before being handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The suspects were reportedly lured into Nigeria by Abdullahi Berter, a Malian national, with promises of job opportunities in France. They were allegedly held in a bungalow at Orange Market and instructed to recruit others for undisclosed activities. Berter fled initially but was later captured after a manhunt.
One suspect, Mustapha, said they entered Nigeria individually through different routes, including the Seme border, seeking business opportunities.
The State Comptroller of Immigration, Sekure Ubale, hailed the arrests as a major inter-agency security achievement. Meanwhile, the police also arrested a notorious suspected kidnapper, Abubakar Adamu, in Obi LGA with an AK-47 and live ammunition.