No fewer than seven Republic of Benin nationals, allegedly involved in series of criminal activities in the Ekerin area of Ologuneru community in Ibadan since they reportedly migrated to the community, were Wednesday, arrested by the Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State Command, following an alleged petition by an unnamed resident.

According to the Comptroller of the command, Innocent Akatu, who paraded the suspects, it was discovered that after their arrest, the individuals entered Nigeria through illegal routes from the Republic of Benin and had chosen the remote community as a hideout.

Akatu said, “When we raided the area, following the petition from a concerned Nigerian, we were able to apprehend seven persons who have no legal documents to stay in Nigeria, and they don’t have any means of livelihood.

“Such people,” he said, “constitute security threat to Nigeria and they will be sent back to their country of origin immediately.

“The petition was helpful as it led to the arrest of the seven people who are indigenes of the Republic of Benin. The petitioner said rape and robbery cases were recorded regularly in the area since the suspects settled down in the area.

“To us at the command, they are security risks which confirmed the fears and allegations of the petitioner. Even if you don’t have a job, you must eat and clothe yourself. The only way to do these without any lawful means of livelihood is to steal or be involved in criminal activities,” the Comptroller noted.

One of the arrested persons, 29-year-old Wahab Umoru, said he came to Nigeria illegally in 2005 while Soliu Alidu claimed to have been born in Saki 29 years ago.

The comptroller, giving the names of the other suspects as Abu Aruna, Mustafa Bukare, Mumuni Yakubu, Fudu Abdulai and Aruna Zakari, said they have been confirmed illegal immigrants.

“But they would be arrested if they return to Nigeria,” adding that “although they were large in number in the area, some of them have travelled to the Republic of Benin,” he added.