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 combat illegal immigration and other security threats within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR).
The operation, conducted in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group, followed credible intelligence indicating the presence of undocumented foreign nationals in a secluded compound at Imokun in the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis of Epe.
According to the Army, the raid led to the arrest of 15 males and nine females believed to be nationals of several West and Central African countries.
Preliminary profiling identified the suspects as comprising 10 Cameroonians, six Togolese, three Ivorians, three nationals of the Republic of Benin, one Burkinabe and one Guinea-Bissau national.
Military authorities said initial investigations focused on establishing the suspects’ immigration status, reasons for their stay in Nigeria and any possible involvement in unlawful activities.
The Army also disclosed that efforts were underway to identify and question the owner of the compound to determine the circumstances surrounding the residence and activities of the foreign nationals.
Following the operation, the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, on July 16, 2026, for further investigation, profiling and appropriate administrative action in line with Nigeria’s immigration laws.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, directed personnel to sustain the ongoing security operations and intensify efforts to deny criminal elements, illegal immigrants and other security threats safe haven within the Division’s area of responsibility.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting other security and law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace, public safety and security across Lagos and adjoining areas.
