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The Kano State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 20 foreign nationals for alleged illegal entry into the country.
State Commandant Mohammed Hassan-Agalama said the suspects, from Sudan, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, were apprehended in the Danbare area of Kumbotso Local Government Area following credible intelligence and a coordinated NSCDC operation.
“The suspects include one from Cameroon, one from Niger, 12 from Sudan, and six from Chad,” Hassan-Agalama said.
Hassan-Agalama said preliminary investigations indicated that most of the individuals could not provide valid travel or identification documents, raising concerns about their mode of entry and activities within the state.
He added that security operatives are currently examining the 10 Android phones that they recovered.
“The Corps is currently profiling and investigating the suspects to determine their mission and any possible links to unlawful activities,” the commandant said.
He added that “Relevant agencies have been duly notified, and necessary steps are being taken in line with extant laws.”
One of the arrested individuals, Idrisa Ila from Niger, said he had been living in Kano for three years, trading goods and materials.
He claimed he met other suspects via Facebook, and they planned to travel to Sudan through Chad, using Nigeria as a transit point.
Ila explained that some members of the group requested temporary accommodation, and he later helped secure housing for them.
He said that while he expected five individuals, more arrived over time. According to Ila, some of the group decided to stay in Nigeria temporarily due to financial constraints.
Residents reportedly alerted authorities after noticing the large number of occupants in the house and the group’s inability to speak Hausa or English.
Ila confirmed he had valid documents but could not verify the status of the other suspects, who had spent more than 10 days in Kano before their arrest.
Hassan-Agalama urged the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and useful information to help safeguard national security.
