Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 65 Battalion have arrested 24 foreign nationals during a security operation in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State as part of efforts to curb criminal activities, illegal immigration and other security threats within the area.
The operation, conducted alongside members of the Vigilante Group, followed intelligence reports on the presence of undocumented foreign nationals within the battalion’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
The troops raided a fenced compound located in Imokun, within the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis of Epe, where they apprehended 24 individuals comprising 15 males and nine females.
Preliminary profiling revealed that the suspects are citizens of six African countries. They include 10 Cameroonians, six Togolese, three Ivorians, three nationals of the Republic of Benin, one Burkinabè and one citizen of Guinea-Bissau.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, said investigations had commenced to determine the immigration status of the suspects, the purpose of their stay in Nigeria and whether they were involved in any unlawful activities.
He added that authorities were also working to identify and question the owner of the compound to establish the circumstances surrounding the residence and activities of the foreign nationals.
According to the Army, the suspects were handed over to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on July 16, 2026, for further investigation, profiling and necessary administrative actions in accordance with immigration laws.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, Babalola urged security personnel to sustain ongoing operations and intensify efforts to deny criminal elements and illegal immigrants freedom of operation within the division’s jurisdiction.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting relevant security agencies in maintaining peace, security and public safety across Lagos State and other areas under its responsibility.
