The Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, through the 65 Battalion, has apprehended 24 foreign nationals in a raid on a suspected hideout in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, as part of measures to combat illegal immigration and security threats.
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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
Credit: Punch
