Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Lagos State Police Command has rescued 38 foreign nationals from a potential mob attack in the Epe area of the state and launched a full-scale investigation into suspected illegal immigration activities surrounding their presence in the country. The operation, carried out on June 17, 2026, was confirmed on Tuesday during a press briefing by the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja. According to the police, the intervention was necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order and to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
The foreign nationals, who hail from at least seven West and Central African nations, were discovered during an intelligence-led raid on a residential building in Epe after security agencies received reports about suspicious gatherings involving a large number of non-Nigerians. The group comprises 14 citizens of Chad, nine from Burkina Faso, four from Benin Republic, four from Mali, two from Togo, two from Cameroon, and one from Ghana. Their ages and occupations have not been disclosed, but police noted that some of the individuals claimed to be involved in "networking" activities without providing satisfactory explanations regarding their presence or activities in Nigeria.
Preliminary investigations have revealed a divided picture regarding their legal status. Twenty of the foreign nationals allegedly entered Nigeria illegally and were unable to provide evidence of lawful entry. The remaining 18 were found to be in possession of valid ECOWAS travel documents, which grant them the right to move freely within the Economic Community of West African States. However, police stressed that even those with valid documentation could not clearly explain what they were doing in the country, raising concerns that their activities may extend beyond legitimate travel. All 38 individuals are currently being profiled at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Ikeja.
Commissioner Fatai emphasized that the command views the matter with utmost seriousness and is committed to following due process. "We want to properly profile them and determine whether there is any criminal element to their activities before transferring them to immigration authorities for further processing," he stated. The matter has been escalated to the Nigeria Immigration Service and the embassies of the affected countries for proper profiling and further action. Fatai reiterated the command's resolve to monitor suspicious movements involving foreign nationals and strengthen security measures across the state. "If foreign nationals are in the country, we need to know their mission. Whenever we receive information about any foreign national acting suspiciously, we will investigate and ascertain the purpose of their presence in the country," he said.
The rescue operation in Epe was part of a broader security sweep by the Lagos State Police Command, which also showcased the interception of a truck loaded with military camouflage uniforms and substances suspected to be illicit drugs. Operatives intercepted an unregistered MAN diesel truck carrying 47 sacks of military camouflage uniforms and 80 cartons of suspected illicit substances, leading to the arrest of three suspects. While the military uniforms were being transported out of Lagos State, Commissioner Fatai noted that investigations are ongoing to determine their intended use, given the current security situation in the country.
The Epe rescue also highlights the growing challenge of irregular migration and transnational crime in Nigeria's commercial capital. Lagos, as the country's economic hub and a major entry point for migrants from across the region, has increasingly become a focal point for security agencies seeking to curb illegal entry and related criminal activities. This incident follows closely on the heels of another operation earlier in June, when police arrested 26 foreign nationals—including 19 Chadians and seven Cameroonians—over an alleged false kidnapping report. In a separate raid on Lagos Island, authorities also apprehended 14 citizens of Chad, nine from Burkina Faso, four from Benin Republic, four Malians, and two Togolese. These recurring incidents suggest a pattern of foreign nationals congregating in Lagos without clear legal status or legitimate purpose, raising alarms among security officials.
As investigations continue, the 38 foreign nationals remain in police custody pending their transfer to immigration authorities. The police have assured residents that the command remains committed to maintaining public order and that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. For now, the case underscores the delicate balance between protecting the rights of foreign nationals and enforcing Nigeria's immigration laws—a balance that authorities insist will be struck through due process and collaboration with relevant agencies.
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