Troops Raids Epe Compound in Lagos, Arrests 24 Foreign Nationals

Troops Raids Epe Compound in Lagos, Arrests 24 Foreign Nationals
Preliminary profiling showed that the suspects include 10 Cameroonians, six Togolese, three Ivorians, three nationals of the Republic of Benin, one Burkinabè and one Guinea-Bissau national
Major General Adebayo Babalola charged troops to sustain ongoing operations and intensify efforts aimed at denying criminal elements, illegal immigrants and other security threats access to the Division’s Area of Responsibility

Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State was the scene of a major security operation after troops of the 65 Battalion arrested 24 foreign nationals during a raid on a suspected hideout as part of ongoing efforts to flush out criminal elements, illegal immigrants and other security threats.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the operation was disclosed in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya.

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According to the statement, troops, working alongside members of the Vigilante Group, raided a secluded fenced compound at Imokun in the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis of Epe, where they apprehended 24 foreign nationals, comprising 15 males and nine females.

Preliminary profiling showed that the suspects include 10 Cameroonians, six Togolese, three Ivorians, three nationals of the Republic of Benin, one Burkinabè and one Guinea-Bissau national.

The Army said investigations have commenced to determine the suspects’ immigration status, purpose of stay in Nigeria and possible involvement in unlawful activities.

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It added that efforts are also underway to identify and question the owner of the compound to establish the circumstances surrounding the residence and activities of the foreign nationals.

The statement said the suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, for further investigation, profiling and appropriate administrative action in line with extant immigration laws.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, charged troops to sustain ongoing operations and intensify efforts aimed at denying criminal elements, illegal immigrants and other security threats access to the Division’s Area of Responsibility.

He reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to supporting relevant security agencies in maintaining peace, security and public safety across Lagos and adjoining areas.