The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 38 foreign nationals in Epe for suspected illegal entry into Nigeria during an intelligence-led raid on a residential building.
Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai disclosed the arrests on Tuesday, saying operatives acted on credible intelligence about suspicious gatherings involving a large number of foreigners. The suspects were rescued from possible mob action and taken into custody for profiling. Preliminary investigations revealed that 18 of the suspects possessed valid ECOWAS travel documents, while the remaining 20 could not provide evidence of lawful entry into the country. The group comprises nationals from Chad, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Mali, Togo, Cameroon and Ghana.
Fatai said some of the individuals claimed to be involved in “networking” activities but failed to give satisfactory explanations regarding their presence and activities in Nigeria. The suspects will be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service and their respective embassies for further processing and investigation. The commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to monitoring movements of foreign nationals and strengthening measures against trans-border crimes, human trafficking and other security threats. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
The arrests come amid heightened security concerns in Lagos and other border states, where illegal migration and related criminal activities have been on the rise. Security agencies continue to intensify operations to safeguard national borders and public safety. Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub and a major entry point, has witnessed increased cases of irregular migration, with many foreigners entering through unofficial routes for economic opportunities or other undisclosed reasons. This latest raid demonstrates the police command’s proactive approach to border security and internal monitoring in a megacity with porous entry points.
The incident also highlights the challenges of managing migration in West Africa’s most populous nation, where ECOWAS protocols allow free movement but require proper documentation. Unregulated influxes can strain local resources, contribute to security risks, and sometimes lead to xenophobic tensions. The swift police intervention prevented potential mob justice, showing improved coordination between security agencies and community vigilance. Authorities are expected to conduct thorough background checks to determine if any of the suspects are linked to criminal networks, human trafficking, or other illicit activities.
Stakeholders have commended the Lagos Police Command for the operation, calling for similar exercises in other high-risk areas. The development serves as a reminder of the need for stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Immigration Service, police, and local communities to secure Nigeria’s borders while upholding human rights. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that only those with legitimate reasons remain in the country, while maintaining a balance between security and hospitality in line with Nigeria’s international obligations.
