Nigerian Army arrests 24 foreign nationals after hideout raid in Lagos
Troops of 65 Battalion from 81 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR) have reported the arrest of 24 foreign nationals during a coordinated raid on a suspected hideout in Epe LGA.
According to the statement by the spokesperson of the 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahya, the troops in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group acted on credible intelligence. They raided a secluded fenced compound located at Imokun in the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis of Epe. the operation resulted in the apprehension of 24 foreign nationals including 15 males and 9 females.
The statement revealed that following preliminary profiling, the suspects were revealed to be 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).
Investigations were carried out regarding the suspects to determine their migration status.
“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 statement read.
Afterwards, the suspects were officially handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, on 16 July 2026 for further investigation, profiling and necessary administrative action in accordance with extant immigration laws and regulations.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, commended the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, assigned personnel to sustain the ongoing operations, intensify efforts aimed at denying criminal elements, illegal immigrants and other security threats in the Division’s AOR. He further reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to supporting relevant security agencies in maintaining peace, security and public safety across the AOR.
