No fewer than 24 foreign nationals from Cameroon, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, the Republic of Benin, Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau have been arrested by troops of the Nigerian Army during a raid on a suspected hideout in Epe, Lagos State.
The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of the 65 Battalion in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group as part of ongoing efforts by the 81 Division Nigerian Army to rid its Area of Responsibility of criminal elements, illegal immigrants and other security threats.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the operation followed credible intelligence on the presence of undocumented foreign nationals within the Battalion’s Area of Responsibility.
According to Yahaya, the troops stormed a secluded fenced compound at Imokun in the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis of Epe, where they arrested 24 foreign nationals comprising 15 males and nine females.
Preliminary profiling identified the suspects as nationals of Cameroon (10), Togo (6), Côte d’Ivoire (3), the Republic of Benin (3), Burkina Faso (1) and Guinea-Bissau (1).
“Acting on credible intelligence, troops of the Battalion, in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group, conducted a coordinated raid on the suspected hideout. Preliminary investigations were initiated to ascertain the suspects’ immigration status, purpose of stay and possible involvement in any unlawful activities,” Yahaya said.
He added that efforts were also underway to identify and question the owner of the premises to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ residence and activities at the location.
The Army spokesman disclosed that the suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, on July 16, 2026, for further investigation, profiling and necessary administrative action in accordance with extant immigration laws and regulations.
“The suspects have been officially handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Command, for further investigation, profiling and necessary administrative action in accordance with extant immigration laws and regulations,” he stated.
Yahaya said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, commended the troops for their professionalism and vigilance during the operation.
He added that 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.
“The General Officer Commanding reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to supporting relevant security agencies in maintaining peace, security and public safety across the Area of Responsibility. The 81 Division will continue to collaborate with sister security agencies and local stakeholders to enhance security and protect law-abiding residents,” Yahaya added.
The operation forms part of the Nigerian Army’s sustained efforts to strengthen internal security, enhance inter-agency collaboration and support relevant authorities in addressing illegal immigration and other security threats within its operational area.
