Troops Arrest 24 Suspected Illegal Migrants In Lagos Raid

By RhemDy News 

Troops of 65 Battalion of 81 Division, Nigerian Army, have arrested 24 foreign nationals during a coordinated raid on a suspected hideout in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State. 

The operation followed credible intelligence on the presence of undocumented foreign nationals within the battalion's area of responsibility.

In a statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lt.-Col. Musa Yahaya, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to rid the Division's area of responsibity of criminal elements, illegal immigrants and other security threats.

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 9 females were apprehended.

"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)', the statement stated.

Lt.-Col. Yayaha disclosed that initial investigations were conducted to ascertain the suspects' immigration status, purpose of stay and possible involvement in any unlawful activities. 

He added that efforts were also underway to identify and question the owner of the premises where they were aporehended to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding their residence and activities at the location.

Yahaya stressed that the suspects were officially handed over to the Lagos State Command, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on July 16, 2026 for further investigation, profiling and necessary administrative action in accordance with extant immigration laws and regulations.

Commending the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, 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 in the Division's area of responsibility. 

Maj.-Gen. Babalola further reaffirmed the Division's commitment to supporting relevant security agencies in maintaining peace, security and public safety across the area.