Troops Raid Suspected Hideout, Arrest 24 Foreign Nationals in Lagos
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 65 Battalion have arrested 24 foreign nationals during a coordinated raid on a suspected hideout in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal immigration and other security threats within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group, followed credible intelligence indicating the presence of undocumented foreign nationals in the area.
Military authorities said the troops stormed a secluded fenced compound at Imokun in the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis of Epe, where they apprehended 24 suspects comprising 15 males and nine females.
Preliminary profiling revealed that the suspects are nationals of six West and Central African countries. They include 10 Cameroonians, six Togolese, three Ivorians, three citizens of the Republic of Benin, one Burkinabe and one Guinea-Bissau national.
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According to the Army, preliminary investigations have 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.
Security operatives are also working to identify and question the owner of the compound to establish the circumstances surrounding the presence and activities of the foreign nationals at the location.
Following the operation, the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, on Thursday for further investigation, profiling and appropriate administrative action in line with Nigeria’s immigration laws.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, directed personnel to sustain ongoing security operations and intensify efforts to deny criminal elements, illegal immigrants and other security threats freedom of operation within the Division’s area of responsibility.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting relevant security agencies in maintaining peace, public safety and security across Lagos and other areas under the Division’s jurisdiction.
By PRNigeria
