24 Foreign Nationals Arrested in Raid on Suspected Hideout in Lagos

Troops of the 65 Battalion, Nigerian Army, have arrested 24 foreign nationals during a coordinated raid on a suspected hideout in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State as part of ongoing operations to rid the 81 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR) of criminal elements and illegal immigrants.

The operation, carried out in collaboration with members of a local vigilante group, followed credible intelligence on the presence of undocumented foreign nationals within the battalion’s area of responsibility.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the troops raided a secluded fenced compound at Imokun in the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis of Epe, where they apprehended 24 foreign nationals comprising 15 males and nine females.

Preliminary profiling revealed that the suspects include 10 Cameroonians, six Togolese, three Ivorians, three nationals of the Republic of Benin, one Burkinabè and one citizen of Guinea-Bissau.

The Army said preliminary investigations were conducted to determine the suspects’ immigration status, purpose of stay and possible involvement in unlawful activities. It added that efforts were ongoing to identify and question the owner of the property to establish the circumstances surrounding their residence and activities at the location.

The statement disclosed that the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, on July 16, 2026, for further investigation, profiling and other necessary actions in line with existing immigration laws and regulations.

Commending the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, urged 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.