Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 24 foreign nationals during a coordinated raid on a hideout in Epe LGA of Lagos state.
A statement on Thursday by Musa Yahaya, acting deputy director of army public relations for the 81 division, said the operation followed credible intelligence on the presence of "undocumented" foreign nationals within the battalion’s area of responsibility (AOR).
Yahaya said troops, working with members of the vigilante, raided a secluded fenced compound at Imokun in the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis of Epe, where they arrested 24 foreign nationals comprising 15 men and nine women.
"Preliminary profiling revealed that the suspects are nationals of various West and Central African countries, including Cameroon (10), Togo (6), Côte d’Ivoire (3), Republic of Benin (3), Burkina Faso (1) and Guinea-Bissau (1)," the statement reads.
"Initial investigations were conducted to ascertain the suspects’ immigration status, purpose of stay and possible involvement in any unlawful activities.
"Efforts are also underway to identify and question the owner of the premises to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding their residence and activities at the location."
The army said the suspects were handed over to the Lagos state command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on July 16 for further investigation, profiling and administrative action in line with immigration laws and regulations.
Adebayo Babalola, general officer commanding (GOC) of the 81 division, commended the troops for their professionalism and vigilance.
He urged personnel to sustain ongoing operations and intensify efforts to deny criminals, illegal immigrants and other security threats freedom of operation within the division’s area of responsibility.
Babalola further reaffirmed the division’s commitment to supporting relevant security agencies in maintaining peace, security and public safety across the area.
