Troops arrest 24 foreign nationals in Lagos hideout raid
Troops Arrest 24 Foreign Nationals in Lagos Raid
EPE, Lagos State — In a coordinated operation targeting criminal elements and illegal immigrants, troops from the 65 Battalion arrested 24 foreign nationals in Epe Local Government Area on July 16, 2025.
According to a statement from Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, the operation was conducted in collaboration with members of the local Vigilante Group. The raid focused on a secluded compound in the Imokun area of Odo-Noforija/Poka.
The apprehended individuals include 15 males and nine females, identified as nationals from various West and Central African countries: ten from Cameroon, six from Togo, three from Ivory Coast, three from Benin, one from Burkina Faso, and one from Guinea-Bissau.
Preliminary investigations are examining the suspects’ immigration statuses, reasons for their presence in Nigeria, and any potential involvement in illegal activities. Authorities are also working to identify the property owner to understand the circumstances surrounding the occupants.
The arrested individuals have been transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for further investigation and necessary administrative measures in line with immigration laws.
Major General Adebayo Babalola, General Officer Commanding the 81 Division, emphasized the need for continued operations against security threats and reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to ensure public safety in the area.
