Military Hands Over 24 Undocumented Migrants to Immigration

​Troops from the 65 Battalion of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army have apprehended 24 undocumented foreign nationals following a targeted security operation in the Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

​The raid, conducted in the Imokun community along the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis, was launched following credible intelligence reports regarding the presence of individuals without legal immigration status residing within the Battalion’s operational jurisdiction. The operation was executed in close coordination with local Vigilante Group members, resulting in the peaceful apprehension of the suspects at a fenced compound.

​According to military records, the group consists of 15 males and 9 females. Initial profiling indicates that the individuals originate from six countries across West and Central Africa:

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• ​Cameroon: 10
• ​Togo: 6
• ​Republic of Benin: 3
• ​Côte d’Ivoire: 3
• ​Burkina Faso: 1
• ​Guinea-Bissau: 1

​On July 16, 2026, the military authorities formally transferred the custody of the 24 individuals to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command. The Service has commenced a comprehensive investigation to verify the immigration status of the suspects, ascertain the purpose of their residency, and probe for any potential links to unlawful activities in the region. Furthermore, investigators are actively tracing the owner of the premises where the suspects were discovered to determine their role in the unauthorized harboring of these foreign nationals.

​Major General Adebayo Babalola, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, has lauded the troops for the successful intelligence-led operation. He further charged the personnel to remain vigilant and committed to ongoing efforts aimed at identifying and neutralizing criminal elements and ensuring compliance with national immigration laws within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.