In a major security sweep targeting local border integrity, troops of the Nigerian Army‘s 65th Battalion have arrested 24 undocumented foreign nationals during a coordinated Epe, Lagos raid.
The tactical operation, executed in Epe Local Government Area, targeted a suspected hideout as part of an aggressive drive by the 81 Division to secure its area of responsibility from growing regional security threats.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 81 Division, the intervention followed credible intelligence pointing to a pocket of undocumented residents within the sector.
Tactical Intervention by the Nigerian Army 65 Battalion
With actionable intelligence in hand, the Nigerian Army 65 Battalion, working alongside local vigilante groups, moved swiftly on the target. They stormed a secluded, fenced compound at Imokun, situated within the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis of Epe.
During the targeted swoop, troops apprehended 24 individuals, consisting of 15 males and nine females. Initial profiling of the suspects revealed a diverse makeup of West and Central African origins. The group included:
- 10 Cameroonians
- 6 Togolese
- 3 Ivorians
- 3 Beninese
- 1 Burkinabè
- 1 Guinea-Bissau national
Military authorities confirmed that initial questioning was immediately ordered to assess their visa papers, reasons for residing in the country, and any potential links to local crime networks.
Investigation Handed Over to Nigeria Immigration Service Lagos
Following initial military screening, the Nigerian Army 65 Battalion formally transferred custody of the suspects to the Nigeria Immigration Service Lagos State Command on July 16, 2026, for detailed profiling and administrative action.
Security teams are also searching for the property owner to explain why these individuals were housed there.
Major General Adebayo Babalola, the General Officer Commanding the 81 Division, praised the troops for their high standards and sharp eyes during the sweep. He noted that military personnel must keep up this momentum to deny lawbreakers and illegal migrants any haven. Babalola closed by stating that the Division remains fully committed to assisting civil partner agencies to keep Lagos safe.
