Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 24 undocumented foreign nationals during a security operation in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The suspects, comprising 15 men and nine women, were apprehended during a coordinated raid on a secluded compound in Imokun, located along the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis of the state.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
He said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence indicating the presence of undocumented foreign nationals within the division’s area of responsibility.
According to Yahaya, troops, working in collaboration with local vigilante operatives, stormed the fenced compound where the suspects were arrested without incident.
Preliminary profiling revealed that the group included 10 Cameroonians, six Togolese, three Ivorians, three nationals of the Republic of Benin, one Burkinabe and one citizen of Guinea-Bissau.
He said security agencies had commenced investigations to determine the immigration status of the suspects, the purpose of their stay in Nigeria and whether they were involved in any criminal activities.
The Army also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to identify and interrogate the owner of the property where the foreigners were found to establish the circumstances surrounding their residence.
Following their arrest, the suspects were handed over to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service on Thursday for further profiling, investigation and appropriate administrative action in line with Nigeria’s immigration laws.
Commending the troops for the successful operation, the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Maj. Gen. Adebayo Babalola, praised their professionalism and vigilance.
He charged personnel of the division to sustain ongoing security operations and intensify efforts aimed at denying criminals, illegal immigrants and other security threats safe haven within the division’s operational area.
Babalola also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to working closely with other security agencies to enhance public safety and maintain peace across Lagos and adjoining states.
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