Troops arrest 24 foreign nationals in Lagos hideout raid

As part of ongoing efforts to rid the 81 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR) of criminal elements, illegal immigrants and other security threats, troops of 65 Battalion have arrested 24 foreign nationals during a coordinated raid on a suspected hideout in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, disclosed this in a statement.

According to the statement, troops of the battalion, in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group, raided a secluded fenced compound at Imokun in the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis of Epe and arrested the 24 foreign nationals.

“During the operation, 24 foreign nationals comprising 15 males and nine females were apprehended,” it said.

The statement said preliminary profiling revealed that the suspects are nationals of various West and Central African countries, comprising 10 Cameroonians, six Togolese, three Ivorians, three nationals of the Republic of Benin, one Burkinabè and one Guinea-Bissau national.

It said 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,” it said.

The statement added that the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, on July 16, 2025, 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, charged personnel to sustain the ongoing operations and intensify efforts aimed at denying criminal elements, illegal immigrants and other security threats access to 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.