Nigerian Army Arrests 24 Foreign Nationals in Epe Raid

On July 16, 2026, troops from the 65 Battalion of the Nigerian Army conducted a raid in Epe, Lagos State, apprehending 24 foreign nationals suspected of illegal immigration and potential criminal activities. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to address security threats in the area, following credible intelligence regarding the presence of undocumented individuals.

The raid took place in a secluded, fenced compound in Imokun, Odo Noforija, Poka axis of Epe. The arrested individuals included 15 males and 9 females, with preliminary profiling revealing they originated from six West and Central African countries: Cameroon (6), Togo (10), Côte d'Ivoire (6), Republic of Benin (3), Burkina Faso (3), and Guinea-Bissau (1).

Major General Adebayo Babalola, the General Officer Commanding the 81 Division, confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the immigration status of the suspects and their reasons for staying in Nigeria. The Nigerian Immigration Service in Lagos State will also be involved in the investigation.