Army, Vigilantes Raid Suspected Hideout in Lagos, Arrest 24 Undocumented Foreign Nationals

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Troops of the 65 Battalion, Nigerian Army, have arrested 24 foreign nationals during a coordinated security operation in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration and other security threats within the 81 Division's Area of Responsibility.

The operation, carried out alongside members of a local vigilante group, followed intelligence reports indicating the presence of undocumented foreign nationals in a secluded compound.

Key Takeaways

  • Nigerian Army troops arrested 24 foreign nationals during a raid in Epe, Lagos.
  • The operation was conducted jointly with members of the Vigilante Group.
  • The suspects comprise 15 males and 9 females from six West and Central African countries.
  • They have been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for further investigation.
  • The Army says operations against illegal immigration and security threats will continue across the Division's Area of Responsibility.


The Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to strengthen internal security with the arrest of 24 foreign nationals during a targeted operation in Epe, Lagos State. According to military authorities, troops of the 65 Battalion acted on credible intelligence indicating that undocumented foreign nationals were residing in a secluded compound within the Battalion's operational area. Working alongside members of the Vigilante Group, the troops raided the fenced property located at Imokun in the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis of Epe, where all 24 suspects were apprehended without incident.

Preliminary profiling identified the suspects as nationals of Cameroon (10), Togo (6), Cรดte d'Ivoire (3), Republic of Benin (3), Burkina Faso (1), and Guinea-Bissau (1). Military authorities said investigations have commenced to determine the immigration status of the individuals, establish the purpose of their stay in Nigeria, and ascertain whether they have any links to criminal activities. Security agencies are also seeking to identify and question the owner of the property to clarify the circumstances surrounding the occupants' residence.

Following preliminary screening, the suspects were formally handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, for further investigation and administrative action in accordance with Nigeria's immigration laws. Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, commended the troops for their professionalism and urged them to sustain operations aimed at denying criminal elements and other security threats safe havens within the Division's jurisdiction.

Key Quotes

According to the Nigerian Army, the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the presence of undocumented foreign nationals within the 81 Division's Area of Responsibility.

According to the Army, the 24 suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation, profiling, and necessary administrative action.

According to Major General Adebayo Babalola, troops should sustain ongoing operations and intensify efforts to deny criminal elements, illegal immigrants, and other security threats freedom of operation within the Division's Area of Responsibility.

 

Effective border control and immigration enforcement are important components of national security. Prompt action against undocumented migration can help authorities identify potential security risks, enforce immigration laws, and strengthen inter-agency cooperation in addressing transnational crime.


For residents, the operation reflects ongoing collaboration between the military, local vigilantes, and immigration authorities to improve community security. For foreign nationals residing in Nigeria, it highlights the importance of complying with immigration regulations and maintaining valid documentation. The operation also demonstrates continued efforts by security agencies to investigate intelligence reports while following established legal procedures.


The 81 Division Nigerian Army is a combined infantry and amphibious division headquartered in Victoria Island, Lagos. This body is responsible for military operations across Lagos and parts of Ogun State, supporting civil authorities in combating criminal activities and enhancing public safety. In recent years, security agencies have intensified intelligence-led operations targeting illegal immigration, transnational crimes, and other threats through coordinated efforts involving the military, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and other security stakeholders.


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Security operations targeting undocumented migration should balance national security objectives with due process and respect for human rights. While intelligence-led enforcement can help curb criminal activities and improve public safety, thorough investigations remain essential to distinguish immigration violations from criminal conduct. Sustained collaboration among the military, immigration authorities, local communities, and regional partners will be key to strengthening border security, improving intelligence sharing, and addressing the root causes of irregular migration.



Source: Nigerian Army, 81 Division Headquarters.

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