Troops of the 65 Battalion, under the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, have arrested 24 foreign nationals during a raid on a suspected hideout in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State as part of efforts to curb illegal immigration and other security threats.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations,
81 Division Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya, disclosed this in a statement
issued on Thursday.
He said the operation followed credible intelligence
on the presence of undocumented foreign nationals within the battalion’s Area
of Responsibility.
According to him, the troops, working in
collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group, stormed a secluded fenced
compound at Imokun in the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis of Epe, where the suspects
were arrested.
Yahaya said, “Acting on credible intelligence,
troops of the Battalion, in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group,
raided a secluded fenced compound located at Imokun in the Odo-Noforija/Poka
axis of Epe. During the operation, 24 foreign nationals, comprising 15 males
and nine females, were apprehended.”
He added that preliminary profiling showed the
suspects were from six West and Central African countries.
“Preliminary profiling revealed that the suspects
are nationals of various West and Central African countries, including Cameroon
(10), Togo (6), Côte d’Ivoire (3), Republic of Benin (3), Burkina Faso (1), and
Guinea-Bissau (1),” he said.
Yahaya explained that the military had commenced
initial investigations to determine the immigration status of the suspects,
their purpose of stay in Nigeria, and whether they were involved in any
unlawful activities.
He added, “Initial investigations were conducted to
ascertain the suspects’ immigration status, purpose of stay and possible
involvement in any unlawful activities. Efforts are also underway to identify
and question the owner of the premises to provide further insight into the
circumstances surrounding their residence and activities at the location.”
The Army spokesman further disclosed that the
suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State
Command, on July 16, 2026, for further investigation, profiling, and necessary
administrative action in line with extant immigration laws.
He said the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division
Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Adebayo Babalola, commended the troops for their
professionalism and vigilance during the operation.
According to Yahaya, the GOC charged personnel to
sustain ongoing operations and intensify efforts to deny criminal elements,
illegal immigrants, and other security threats safe haven within the division’s
area of responsibility.
He also reaffirmed the division’s commitment to
supporting relevant security agencies in maintaining peace, security, and
public safety across Lagos and other areas under its jurisdiction.
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